The 93-year-old woman with chronic back pain is found crying. When the nurse approaches, the patient says, "I know you can't do anything more, but I hurt so bad." What nursing intervention would be most effective?
a. Bring pain medication when it is time for it.
b. Assure the patient that the pain medication will take effect soon.
c. Touch the patient's shoulder and sit quietly without speaking.
d. Distract the patient by offering a sip of water.
ANS: C
Use of empathetic touch is a message of comfort. The other options do not address the patient's distress relative to unrelieved pain.
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