You are caring for a postoperative patient who is experiencing pain and anxiety. Which intervention will assist most in decreasing the patient's pain and anxiety?
A) The administration of a stronger pain medication
B) Allowing the patient to increase activity
C) The use of guided imagery with pain medication
D) The use of patient controlled analgesia
Ans: C
Feedback: The use of guided imagery will enhance pain relief and assist in reduction of anxiety. The administration of a stronger pain medication should be utilized only when the patient's pain is unrelieved, not necessarily in combination with anxiety. The increase in activity may produce increased pain. The use of patient controlled analgesia must be ordered by the physician and is not an independent nursing intervention.
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a. IV b. IM c. PO d. Sub-Q