While caring for a nonverbal patient, which action ensures appropriate and timely pain management?
1. Have the family medicate the patient, based on their knowledge of the patient's response to pain.
2. Use the McGill pain questionnaire to determine the optimal pain management plan.
3. Administer opioids around the clock, adding NSAIDS when necessary.
4. Medicate the patient based on the pathologic condition, nonverbal cues, and pain procedures.
4
Rationale 1: The family members are not likely to have the understanding of pharmacology and physiologic parameters to make pain management decisions, and in fact, out of concern, may "overread" the presence of pain.
Rationale 2: The McGill questionnaire requires the client's input regarding pain and impact on ADLs and therefore is not an appropriate screening tool for this patient.
Rationale 3: The appropriate analgesic should be used for the situation. There is no indication that an opioid is necessary.
Rationale 4: Use of a behavioral pain assessment in addition to administering analgesics based on what would be considered a painful condition or procedure to others is the standard of practice.
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