The nurse is receiving a report on a client described as a "clock watcher" who requests pain medication every 2 hours when it is due. Which of the following statements made to the client indicates understanding of effective pain management?

Question

1. "You ask for this medication every 2 hours, when due. It seems as if your pain is not well treated.".
2. "You will develop addiction if you take too much of this medication.".
3. "The doctor is not likely to continue giving you narcotics when you go home.".
4. "It does not seem like you are in pain. I saw you were visiting with your family and napping.".

Answer 1

"You ask for this medication every 2 hours, when due. It seems as if your pain is not well treated.".

Rationale: "Clock watching" is a symptom of pseudo-addiction or inadequate pain relief. Addiction is a physiologic and psychologic process that develops in less than 3% of individuals taking opiates. It is too soon to determine the type of pain management that will be required upon discharge. Pain is what the client says it is; it is possible to participate in ADLs and still be in pain.