The nurse is preparing care for a client recovering from surgery for colorectal cancer. Which interventions should the nurse use when creating a pain management plan for this client?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Provide pain medication upon request.
B) Assess surgical site for inflammation.
C) Assess bowel sounds.
D) Administer pain medication after painful procedures.
E) Instruct to use a pillow to splint when deep breathing and coughing.

Answer 1

Answer: B, C, E

Pain level should be routinely assessed and pain medication should be provided based upon the assessment and not only when the client requests medication for pain. The surgical site should be routinely assessed for inflammation as a potential source of pain. Bowel sounds should be assessed, as a paralytic ileus could cause an increase in pain. Pain medication should be provided before painful procedures. The client should be instructed to use a pillow to splint the incision when deep breathing and coughing.