Chapter 5: Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign

Chapter 5: Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The nurse is caring for a client who was medicated for pain 1 hour ago. The client states that the medication is not working and the pain is still present. What is the first action that the nurse will take?

ANS:  B

Health care providers often do not believe the client’s report of pain. The nurse’s primary role in pain management is to advocate for the client by believing reports of pain. It is important to remember that self-reporting is always the most reliable indication of pain. After the clinician believes that the client is in pain, the client can be assessed to obtain a pain score and can be taught nonpharmacologic methods of relieving pain. The nurse needs to take action to alleviate the pain and should not wait until the next medication dosage is due.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Advocacy)  MSC:           Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)

2. When is the nurse correct in decreasing the dose of pain medication in a client with end-stage cancer?

ANS:  B

The client has the right to choose whether to take the pain medication. The analgesic regimen should not interfere with the client’s sleep, rest, appetite, level of physical mobility, or driving ability. Close relationships are important in providing ongoing support for effective pain management intervention.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Advocacy)  MSC:           Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

3. A client with chronic pain is being discharged from the hospital. When planning the client’s pain relief regimen for home, it is most important for the nurse to communicate with which member of the health care team?

ANS:  B

All members of the listed health care team are important. However, the home health care nurse will provide immediate home supervision and assistance to the client and family. The home health care nurse can refer to other health care team members as necessary. For the home health care nurse to carry out the role, it is essential that the acute care nurse communicate the client’s physical condition and support network, and any issues with pain management.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding               REF:   p. 62

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team)

MSC:  Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation

4. A client with arthritic pain is considering taking an herbal supplement to relieve arthritic pain. What teaching is most important for the nurse to carry out with this client?

ANS:  A

Always ask the client about the use of herbal supplements, because some can cause serious interactions with other pharmacologic agents. The other responses are not considered the most important.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk Potential—Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures)

MSC:   Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning