The patient is in severe pain and is requesting a prn medication before the prn time interval has elapsed. The nurse's priority is to

Question

a. Give the medication early for any pain score greater than 8.
b. Call the prescriber and request a stat order.
c. Explain to the patient why he will have to wait for the medication.
d. Document the patient's request and pain score.

Answer 1

ANS: B
The nurse should utilize clinical judgment to advocate for the patient by requesting a stat order for the patient's breakthrough pain. The nurse cannot give a medication without an order because this violates the "Right Time" portion of the Six Rights of Medication Administration. If a nurse assesses that a patient is in severe pain, she must use clinical judgment to find that patient a means of pain relief. Although the nurse should document the patient's request and pain score, this is not the priority.