What is the best way for the nurse to know whether pain medication has been effective?
a. The patient stops groaning.
b. The patient's vital signs return to normal.
c. The patient goes to sleep.
d. The patient states the pain is relieved.
ANS: D
Pain is subjective, and the best measure is the patient's self-report. Patients can sleep while in pain. Groaning and elevated vital signs are not always present with pain.
You might also like to view...
A clinic patient was started on leflunomide. The nurse expects this medication will have which effect?
a. It will decrease joint movement at first. b. It will cause the patient to feel flushed. c. It will reduce symptoms and slow joint damage. d. It will increase fluid in the joints.
The nurse is preparing to conduct a health history with an older client. Which action should the nurse take to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the client's health history?
1. Scheduling one-half hour for the medical history interview. 2. Requesting the client use the bathroom before starting the interview. 3. Ensuring the client has their identification and insurance card with them upon arrival. 4. Conducting the history in an environment with comfortable seating and proper lighting.
Which instruction is most important for the RN to provide to the nursing assistant assigned to care for a client with primary osteoporosis?
a. "Clean up clutter in the room." b. "Encourage the client to bathe herself or himself." c. "Monitor urinary output." d. "Perform passive range-of-motion exer-cises."
The patient with impaired swallowing begins to choke while eating. Which action should the nurse implement?
a. Suction the airway until clear. b. Turn the patient to a prone position. c. Leave the room to get assistance. d. Instruct the patient to take deep breaths.