A patient who is receiving around-the-clock pain medication complains of an acute exacerbation of pain. What should the nurse do to help this patient?
1. Provide the medication ordered for breakthrough pain.
2. Talk the patient through the pain.
3. Encourage the patient to ignore the pain.
4. Give the patient a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Correct Answer: 1
Breakthrough pain (BTP) occurs in patients who are receiving long-acting analgesics for chronic pain. It is a transitory experience of moderate to severe pain that is often precipitated by coughing or movement but may occur spontaneously. Short-acting opioids for this type of pain should be administered as needed in addition to the ATC dose for chronic, persistent pain. The pain must be addressed; it is not appropriate to talk the patient through the pain or encourage the patient to ignore the pain. NSAIDs can only be given with the physician's order.
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