Question

A client's family member comes to the nurse's station and says, "He needs more pain medicine. He is still having a lot of pain." What is the nurse's best response?

1. "The health care provider (HCP) ordered the medicine to be given every 4 hours."
2. "If medication is given too frequently, there are ill effects."
3. "Please tell him that I will be right there to check on him."
4. "Let's wait about 40 minutes. If there he still hurts, I'll call the HCP."

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the family member and immediately check on the patient to assess the need for additional pain medication, considering the medication's dosing interval and potential side effects (option 3).

Step-by-step explanation:

When a family member approaches the nurse's station concerned that a patient requires more pain medicine, the nurse's best response is to provide reassurance and take immediate action to assess the patient's pain level. Among the given options, the ideal response would be: "Please tell him that I will be right there to check on him." This approach acknowledges the family member's concern, suggests prompt attention to the patient's pain, and indicates that the nurse will assess the situation and act according to the patient's needs and the healthcare provider's orders.

Understanding the appropriate dosing intervals and potential side effects of prescribed pain medications is vital. Healthcare providers determine medication schedules based on various factors, including the drug's half-life and whether the drug is more effective when administered in higher doses or over a prolonged period. Opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are commonly used for severe pain but carry risks of serious side effects and addiction; therefore, they must be administered carefully under medical supervision.

Hence, the answer is option 3.