A client has chronic back pain from an injury several years ago. The client is in the doctor's office, complaining of insomnia with fatigue and dissatisfaction with the previous physician who "did nothing to help the pain"
The client has a blunt affect and relates no longer being able to do many things that once were enjoyable. The nurse working with an interdisciplinary team to manage this client's pain understands the client a. has adapted a sick role out of frustration with the situation and health care.
b. is probably malingering to get workers' compensation.
c. might be addicted to drugs and should have a urine drug screen.
d. would not be so irritable after getting some sleep.
A
Clients with chronic pain are challenging. They may present with symptoms of depression, in-somnia, and limited functioning, and may voice frustration with the health care system as they search for the specific cause of their pain and one definitive treatment. They may adapt what are known as "pain behaviors" and the sick role in order to gain more compassion, thus treatment, from health care providers.
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