A patient diagnosed with cancer tells the nurse that he does not want to experience anymore pain. What should the nurse do to help this patient?
1. Discuss pain control options.
2. Explain that every patient with cancer has pain.
3. Review ways to reduce pain without the use of medication.
4. Instruct on why pain will continue throughout treatment.
Correct Answer: 1
The pain associated with cancer is usually undertreated because of an inappropriate use of opioids and barriers related to healthcare provider, patient, family, institution, and society. Communication and knowledge deficit are the major barriers to effective pain management. Because of this, the nurse should discuss pain control options with the patient. Not every patient with cancer has pain. Reviewing ways to reduce pain without the use of medication may or may not be appropriate for the patient. The nurse has no way of knowing whether the patient's pain will continue throughout treatment.
You might also like to view...
A 73-year-old client is admitted to the hospital. A nurse assesses the client for frailty. Which of the following indicate frailty? (Select all that apply.)
A) Diminished handgrip strength B) High level of physical activity C) Intentional weight loss D) Self-reported exhaustion E) Slow walking speed
A client is using an ophthalmic beta blocking agent for the treatment of glaucoma. Orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia are possible side effects of this medication. What instruction should the nurse provide to reduce the risk of these problems?
1. Apply pressure with the finger over the inside corner of each eye for one minute. 2. Arise from sitting positions slowly. 3. Instill the eyedrops in a sitting position and remain sitting for at least 5 minutes. 4. Assess the blood pressure and pulse before and after each dose.
How is the effectiveness of vitamin B12 therapy measured?
a. Reticulocyte count b. Serum transferring c. Hemoglobin d. Serum vitamin B12
A hospice nurse is working with a client who has ovarian cancer. The client is concerned that her two daughters are at an increased risk for cancer and asks for the nurse's help. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply
A) Provide the family with information on hereditary cancer risks. B) Assure the client that ovarian cancer is not hereditary. C) Offer to refer the daughters to a genetic counselor. D) Arrange for the client to have genetic testing. E) Tell the client that her additional worrying is too stressful.