Exam 14: Pain

An older adult who injured her knee several years ago tells the nurse that she has been managing the resulting intermittent pain with a prescription for propoxyphene (Darvon).The nurse is concerned with this treatment plan,primarily because:

The nurse is discussing pain control with an older patient who has been prescribed an opiate.When the patient expresses concerns about the diminishing effect that the medication has had on the pain,the nurse responds:

An older patient is being treated for arthritic pain with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).Which question best assesses for side effects of this medication class?

The nurse is performing a pain assessment when the older adult patient reports pain in his left shoulder that radiates down into the forearm.The nurse immediately:

An older adult patient is prescribed an analgesic to manage the joint pain resulting from stiffness in his right shoulder.When the patient asks about alternative therapy techniques that might be helpful,the nurse suggests:

When planning care for the older adult experiencing pain,the nurse bases interventions on the realization that:

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient with terminal cancer who is receiving medication via patient-controlled analgesic (PCA)pump.The nurse shows an understanding of primary end-of-life concerns when asking the patient:

The nurse caring for an older adult patient experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome anticipates the patient will best achieve pain control when prescribed a(n):

A patient has just had surgery.What pain control strategy is best?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)is prescribed for a 70-year-old with chronic pain.When the patient reports to the nurse that the maximum daily dose of medication does not control the pain,the nurse responds:

An older patient is observed grimacing whenever walking and getting in and out of bed.When assessed,the patient regularly denies having any pain.To best provide the patient with effective pain control,the nurse initially:

The nurse is caring for four frail patients with pain.Which patient's pain medication prescription does the nurse question?

A patient has constipation as a side effect of opioid analgesics.What menu choice indicates the patient understands nutritional therapy for this problem?

When planning nursing care for an older adult who is experiencing chronic pain,the nurse includes which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply. )

A director of nursing in a long-term care facility was concerned after reading that as many as 80% of residents have untreated pain.What action by the director is best?

A confused patient is admitted to the hospital after suffering a fall.When asked about pain,the patient does not respond.What action by the nurse is best?

An older patient who lives alone is brought to the clinic by an adult child who reports the patient has become "depressed" and no longer wants to go out of the home.What action by the nurse is best?

An older adult lives alone at home and is being treated for chronic pain.The home health care nurse notes the adult is disheveled and has dirty dishes piled up in the sink.What action by the nurse is best?

The nurse caring for an older cognitively impaired patient with osteoarthritis in both hands assesses the patient for hand pain by:

An older patient is hospitalized for the first time.After giving a dose of hydromorphone (Dilaudid),what assessment takes priority?