The nurse is working on the orthopedic unit, and is caring for a client who complains of back pain. Which responses by the nurse would be appropriate when caring for this client?

Question

1. "I'm sorry you're hurting. I want to make you feel better."
2. "People with back pain experience very different symptoms. Tell me more about your back."
3. "You had medication for your pain at 4 p.m., so I can't give you any more until 8 p.m., because the health care provider ordered it every 4 hours."
4. "Does anything other than your back hurt?"
5. "Why don't you try another position to make it feel better until it's time for more pain medication?"

Answer 1

1, 2, 4
Rationale 1: The nurse should inform the client that she will work to make the client feel better.
Rationale 2: The nurse should seek more information about the type of pain the client is experiencing.
Rationale 3: Allowing the client to remain in pain would not be prudent practice, and would be lacking in caring.
Rationale 4: The nurse should question any other discomforts the client may be experiencing.
Rationale 5: Allowing the client to remain in pain would not be prudent practice, and would be lacking in caring.
Global Rationale: The nurse should inform the client that she will work to make the client feel better, seek more information about the type of pain the client is experiencing, and question any other discomforts the client may be experiencing. Allowing the client to remain in pain would not be prudent practice, and would be lacking in caring.