The nurse is providing preoperative care to a patient scheduled for an appendectomy. Which statement regarding pain control is most appropriate?
A) "There's no need to ask for pain medication, you'll receive it on a schedule."
B) "Take your pain medication after walking so that you won't feel dizzy."
C) "Take your pain medication before your pain becomes intense."
D) "Use as little pain medication as possible to avoid addiction."
Ans: C
Feedback: When an analgesic is taken before pain becomes severe, less medication is required to control the pain, thus minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Patients shouldn't be told to wait for the nurse to ask about pain or offer an analgesic. Pain medication should be taken before walking or other activities that are expected to cause pain. The patient shouldn't be discouraged from using pain medication because of possible addiction. A patient with no history of substance abuse has a very minimal risk of addiction when using pain medication for postoperative pain relief.
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