A patient is complaining of severe knee pain after twisting it during a basketball game and is requesting pain medication. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
a. Completing the physical examination first and then giving the pain medication
b. Telling the patient that the pain medication must wait until after the x-ray images are completed
c. Evaluating the full range of motion of the knee and then medicating for pain
d. Administering pain medication and then proceeding with the assessment
ANS: D
According to the American Pain Society (1992), "In cases in which the cause of acute pain is uncertain, establishing a diagnosis is a priority, but symptomatic treatment of pain should be given while the investigation is proceeding. With occasional exceptions, (e.g., the initial examination of the patient with an acute condition of the abdomen), it is rarely justified to defer analgesia until a diagnosis is made. In fact, a comfortable patient is better able to cooperate with diagnostic procedures."
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