A client with a history of malingering pain tells the nurse that he needs a prescription for pain medication. Which of the following should the nurse do first to assist this client?

Question

1. Ask the physician for a pain medication prescription for the client.
2. Remind the client that he does not have pain but just wants the medication.
3. Thoroughly assess the client for pain.
4. Suggest the client seek counseling for his pain medication-seeking behavior.

Answer 1

3
Pain of a psychological origin is when an individual seeks treatment for pain when no actual pain exists. This is also referred to as malingering or pretending pain. The nurse should not assume that the pain does not exist but rather should conduct a thorough pain assessment to rule out an actual physiological problem. The nurse should not immediately ask the physician for pain medication. The nurse should not remind the client that he does not have pain but just wants the medication. The nurse should also not suggest the client seek counseling for pain medication-seeking behavior.