ATI Leadership Practice A Related

Review ATI Leadership Practice A related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. When the nurse prepares to change the client's dressing, they say, 'Every time you change my bandage, it hurts so much.' Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Encourage the client to relax and take deep breaths during the dressing change
  • B. Educate the client about the importance of the dressing change to prevent infection
  • C. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing
  • D. Assist the client to a comfortable position for the dressing change
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing. This is the priority action because it directly addresses the client's pain during the dressing change, ensuring their comfort and adherence to the procedure. Administering pain medication in advance allows time for it to take effect, minimizing the discomfort experienced by the client. Encouraging relaxation techniques (A) and educating about the importance of dressing change (B) are important but secondary to addressing the immediate pain issue. Assisting the client to a comfortable position (D) is helpful but does not directly alleviate the pain like pain medication does.