Question

When asking an older adult client about abdominal pain, the client reports, "I don't want to be a bother because nothing hurts too much." The nurse notes that the client grimaces and splints the abdomen when moving. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Answer 1

The appropriate nursing action would be to further assess the client's abdominal pain to determine the cause and severity. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques to encourage the client to provide more detailed information about their pain and should also assess vital signs, perform a physical examination of the abdomen, and consider ordering diagnostic tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate nursing action in this situation would be to further assess the client's abdominal pain to determine the cause and severity. The client's statement that nothing hurts too much may indicate that they are trying to downplay their symptoms, but their grimacing and abdominal splinting suggest that they are experiencing significant pain. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques to encourage the client to provide more detailed information about their pain, such as its location, intensity, and any factors that exacerbate or alleviate it. The nurse should also assess vital signs, perform a physical examination of the abdomen, and consider ordering diagnostic tests, depending on the client's overall condition and presenting symptoms.