The nurse is caring for a patient of Japanese heritage who refuses opioid pain medication despite the nurse's explaining its importance in the healing process
Which intervention(s) by the nurse is/are appropriate for this patient? Select all that apply.
a. Assess the patient's pain levels at less frequent intervals.
b. Document in the record that the patient does not want to take opioids.
c. Use nonpharmacological measures to help control the patient's pain.
d. Notify the primary care provider of the patient's noncompliance.
B, C
Patients of Japanese heritage commonly avoid opioid use; however, they sometimes reconsider after healthcare personnel explain that they improve the healing process. When the patient continues to refuse pain medications despite explanation, the nurse should respect the patient's wishes and employ nonpharmacological measures to control pain. The nurse should document that the patient wishes to avoid opioid use in the nurses' notes. The nurse should continue to assess pain levels in this patient at the same frequency as before. She should recognize and respect his cultural beliefs and not label him as noncompliant. Note that the same intervention would be appropriate for any patient in this situation, not just a Japanese patient. It would be necessary to contact the primary provider only if these measure are ineffective and the patient experiences severe pain.
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