A nurse is assessing pain in an older adult. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Ask only "yes-or-no" questions so the client doesn't get too tired.
b. Give the client a picture of the pain scale and come back later.
c. Question the client about new pain only, not normal pain from aging.
d. Sit down, ask one question at a time, and allow the client to answer.
ANS: D
Some older clients do not report pain because they think it is a normal part of aging or because they do not want to be a bother. Sitting down conveys time, interest, and availability. Ask only one question at a time and allow the client enough time to answer it. Yes-or-no questions are an example of poor communication technique. Giving the client a pain scale, then leaving, might give the impression that the nurse does not have time for the client. Plus the client may not know how to use it. There is no normal pain from aging.
You might also like to view...
An antibiotic is ordered to be administered in 100 mL D5W IVPB. What does this mean?
What will be an ideal response?
The healthcare provider has ordered the client to receive insulin intravenously. Which insulin would the nurse have to use?
A) Humalog B) Lantus C) NPH D) Regular
A patient with volume overload begins taking a thiazide diuretic. The nurse will tell the patient to expect which outcome when taking this drug?
a. Improved exercise tolerance b. Increased cardiac output c. Prevention of cardiac remodeling d. Prolonged survival
A 30-year-old patient reports increased irritability during the days preceding the onset of her menstrual cycle. What should the nurse suggest to assist in the management of her irritability?
Select all that apply. 1. increasing dietary sugar intake to promote energy 2. increasing intake of simple carbohydrates 3. reducing caffeine intake 4. using guided imagery 5. drinking two glasses of red wine each evening