The nurse assesses the patient and realizes that patient pain is interfering with postoperative therapies. Which does the nurse determine before using medication and relaxation techniques simultaneously to reduce patient pain? (Select all that apply

Question

) a. The patient has used guided imagery in the past successfully.
b. Nonpharmacological relaxation methods appeal to the patient.
c. The patient moves in the bed and disrupts the nurse incessantly.
d. The provider plans to discharge the patient to home in 2 days.
e. The patient understands written informa-tion on relaxation techniques.
f. The patient cannot receive additional analgesia for unresolved pain.

Answer 1

A, B, C, F
An integrated approach using pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies is the most effective method of pain management. Patients who potentially benefit the most from integrated therapies share certain qualities, including successful use of nonpharmacological therapies in the past. A patient who uses relaxation techniques such as guided imagery and massage is more likely to find these techniques appealing as long as the patient achieves success with the technique. Another patient likely to benefit from an integrated approach is the patient with anxiety or fear; excessive movements and disruptions are indications of a problem, including anxiety or fear, which potentially the patient cannot identify. A patient who cannot receive additional pain me-dication despite continuing pain is likely to benefit from integrated therapy as well. The dis-charge date is unrelated to assessing the patient before relaxation and guided imagery. The nurse can explain and demonstrate relaxation therapies and guided imagery without the patient reading.