The nursing student is assisting with the care of a patient with musculoskeletal pain related to soft tissue injury and bone disruption. The student sees that the patient has a prn (as needed) order for pain medication. What does the student do first in order to decide when to give the pain medication?
a) Ask the physician to clarify the order for specific parameters.
b) Check with the primary nurse or the charge nurse for advice.
c). Ask the patient about types of activities that increase the pain.
d) Ask the instructor for help interpreting the order.
Answer: c). Ask the patient about types of activities that increase the pain.
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