Exam 11: Pain Assessment

A client with a history of cardiac issues is admitted to the emergency department with suspected myocardial infarction (MI, or "heart attack"). The client's spouse tells the nurse that the client had pain in the jaw area that was not relieved with nitroglycerin. The client's spouse asks the nurse how jaw pain is related to having a "heart attack." Which explanation by the nurse is the most appropriate?

An adult client continues to request intravenous pain medications 4 days after being placed in skeletal traction due to a complex fracture of the hip. While giving report to the next shift, the nurse who cared for the client during the day states, "I just do not know why he still needs medication 4 days after surgery. The client we had last month with the same type situation did not need any medication after 2 days." Which response by a nursing peer is the best example of being a client advocate?

The nurse is providing care to a client who has multiple fractures after a motor vehicle accident. The nurse includes reduction of the perception of pain as a client outcome. Which nursing interventions would apply to reaching this outcome?

The nurse is working at a pain clinic and is preparing an orientation for new staff nurses. Which of the following definitions of pain would the nurse correctly choose to include in this orientation?

The nurse is preparing to complete the admission assessment for a client who is being admitted for pain management due to severe pain. The nurse is preparing to plan care for this client. Organize the nursing actions in the order in which they should occur. Standard Text: Click on the down arrow for each response in the right column and select the correct choice from the list. Response A) Contact the healthcare provider. Response B) Discuss the unit routine with the client and family. Response C) Ask the client when the pain first began. Response D) Ask the client what helps to relieve the pain. Response E) Assess the client's past coping methods for pain throughout her life.

The nurse is in the triage area of the emergency department when a client arrives complaining of chest and arm pain. The client also reports jaw pain, but states that the chest pain hurts more. The nurse observes the client rubbing his left arm. The nurse suspects which type of pain?

The nurse is interviewing an older adult client who is complaining of joint pain. The client verbalizes that the pain has been present for a few years. Prior to continuing the client interview, which should the nurse recognize?

Which term describes the amount of pain stimulation that is needed for an individual to feel pain?

A recently licensed nurse states, "My client keeps saying he is in pain. I don't believe him because I had the same surgery last year and didn't feel nearly as bad as he claims." Which response by the more experienced nurse is most appropriate?

The nurse is caring for a client complaining of a backache and administers ibuprofen. The client asks the nurse how the medication will help the pain. The nurse bases the response on ibuprofen's effect during which phase of nociception?

A newborn nursery nurse is caring for a newborn who will be circumcised and asks the health care provider to prescribe a pain medication. The healthcare provider states: "Newborns do not have pain at this age, so why should we give any medication?" Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

The nurse is assessing a client admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which are essential components of a pain assessment?

The spouse of a client who is being treated for chronic pain asks the nurse why an antidepressant has been prescribed and states, "My husband is not depressed." Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

The nurse is caring for a client who denies having pain. The nurse notices the client grimacing and clenching his teeth when moving. The client's spouse has asked the nurse why some people deny obvious pain. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The nurse is performing an assessment on a young adult client who is experiencing chronic back pain. During the assessment, which findings does the nurse anticipate?

The nurse is assessing a client who is recovering from open-heart surgery. Which assessment data is most reflective of a client's pain response?

The nurse is caring for two clients who both are in pain due to sickle cell anemia. One of the clients rates the pain as a 7 out of 10 (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain possible). This client is moving around easily and is eating well, but has asked for pain medicine. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

The nurse is assessing a client admitted with chronic back pain. Which assessment data related to pain does the nurse anticipate for this client?

A young adult male client of Arab descent is admitted to the medical-surgical unit for a ruptured appendix. The client's parents are at the bedside for most of the day. The nurse who is providing care notes that the client denies pain while on day shift, but request medication every four hours during the night. Which explanation for this client behavior is the most probable?

The nurse is caring for a preschool age client who is hospitalized for internal fixation of a fractured arm. The nurse is considering nonpharmacological pain management techniques to implement. Which interventions are appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?