Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Quizlet Related

Review Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Quizlet related questions and content

A patient verbalizes a low pain level of 2 out of 10 but exhibits extreme facial grimacing while moving around in bed. What is the nurse’s initial action in response to these observations?

  • A. Proceed to the next patient’s room to make rounds.
  • B. Determine the patient does not want any pain medicine.
  • C. Ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement.
  • D. Administer the pain medication ordered for moderate to severe pain.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial action is to choose C: Ask the patient about the facial grimacing with movement. This is important as the patient's non-verbal cues (facial grimacing) contradict their verbal pain report. By directly addressing the discrepancy, the nurse can gather more accurate information about the patient's pain experience and potentially identify any underlying issues causing the discrepancy.

Proceeding to the next patient's room (A) without addressing the discrepancy would neglect the patient's needs. Assuming the patient does not want pain medicine (B) based solely on the verbal report without further assessment is premature. Administering pain medication (D) without clarifying the situation may lead to inappropriate or ineffective treatment. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate initial action to ensure comprehensive and individualized patient care.