A client who had knee replacement surgery the previous day refuses to take any pain medication, even though he rates his pain as an 8 on a 0 to 10 scale

Question

Upon questioning the client the nurse learns that the reason for refusing pain medication is be-cause he is concerned about injuring the knee and not feeling it. The best information that the nurse can provide this client is to explain that:
1. The pain medication will help speed his recovery time
2. He need not worry about becoming addicted to the pain medication
3. He will not be perceived as weak for taking the pain medication
4. He is being a difficult client and needs to comply with the health care provider's orders

Answer 1

ANS: 1
Acute pain seriously threatens a client's recovery by resulting in prolonged hospitalization, in-creased risks of complications from immobility, and delayed rehabilitation. Physical or psycho-logical progress is delayed as long as acute pain persists, because the client focuses all energy on pain relief. Thus a primary nursing goal is to provide pain relief that allows clients to participate in their recovery.