A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 1 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Instruct the client to use guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing.
- B. Place a hot water circulation device, such as an Aqua K pad, to the operative site.
- C. Tune to a television show or easy listening music to provide distraction.
- D. Provide at least 20 minutes of back massage and gentle effleurage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Guided imagery promotes relaxation to manage moderate pain.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse learns that members of the nursing staff are uncomfortable with responding to client family members who are angry. While designing a teaching session to help the staff respond more effectively in these situations, which instructional strategy is best for the nurse to use?
- A. Journaling
- B. Return demonstration.
- C. Role playing.
- D. Analogies.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Role-playing builds confidence in handling anger.
The nurse has removed a barbiturate capsule from the unit dose wrapper to administer to a client. The client decides to watch a television program and requests not to take the medication. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Keep the medication and see if the client will want to take it later.
- B. Credit the medication back and put it in the client's medication box.
- C. Explain that since the medication is a controlled substance it must be taken.
- D. Have another nurse watch the disposal of the medication into the disposal container.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Witnessed disposal ensures safety and compliance.
Twelve hours following a unilateral total knee replacement, a client reports being unable to sleep because of severe incisional pain. What is the best initial nursing action?
- A. Instruct the client in use of the prescribed patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.
- B. Assist the client in assuming a lateral recumbent position for comfort.
- C. Initiate continuous passive motion (CPM) to relieve muscle spasms.
- D. Apply ice to the incision for twenty minutes prior to joint flexion exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PCA pump allows self-administered analgesia for immediate pain relief.
During the admission assessment to the hospital, a male client reports that he is allergic to latex, penicillin, and bananas. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Send a list of medication allergies to the pharmacy.
- B. Secure an allergy bracelet around the client's wrist.
- C. Notify the dietary department of the client's fruit allergy.
- D. Place a latex-free supply cart outside the client's room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allergy bracelet ensures immediate awareness.
The nurse notes that a client has cyanosis of the toes and fingertips. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?
- A. Temperature.
- B. Blood pressure.
- C. Heart rate.
- D. Respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cyanosis indicates oxygenation issues, requiring respiratory assessment.
Nokea