A patient with a history of anger and impulsivity is hospitalized after an accident resulting in injuries. When in pain, the patient loudly scolds the nursing staff for "not knowing enough to give me pain medicine when I need it."
Which nursing intervention would best address this problem?
a. Tell the patient to notify nursing staff 30 minutes before the pain returns so the medication can be prepared.
b. Urge the health care provider to change the prescription for pain medication from as needed to a regular schedule.
c. Tell the patient that verbal assaults on nurses will not shorten the wait for pain medication.
d. Have the clinical nurse leader request a psychiatric consultation.
ANS: B
Scheduling the medication at specific intervals will help the patient anticipate when the medication can be given. Receiving the medication promptly on schedule, rather than expecting nurses to anticipate the pain level, should reduce anxiety and anger. The patient cannot predict the onset of pain before it occurs.
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