Final answer:
To assess and manage a client's pain with a history of opioid use, the nurse should perform a detailed pain assessment, review the client's medication history, watch for signs of withdrawal, collaborate on a multidisciplinary pain management plan, and establish a trusting relationship with the client.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for a client with a long history of using opioid pain medication. To further assess the client's pain and provide pain relief, the nurse will need to take several actions. Initially, the nurse should conduct a comprehensive pain assessment, which includes determining the client's pain intensity, pain character, and prescription medications history. They can use scales like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale or the Visual Analog Scale for assessing pain intensity.
It's crucial to review the client's history of opioid use, types of opioid medications used, dosages, durations of use, effectiveness, and any side effects experienced. Considering the risk of addiction and physiological dependence, the nurse should be attentive to signs of withdrawal and drug-seeking behaviors. The nurse can also collaborate with physicians to consider alternative or adjunctive non-opioid pain relief therapies and discuss the pain management plan with the interprofessional team, including options like methadone for opioid dependency. Effective communication and a trust-based relationship with the client are essential in managing the client's pain while addressing the potential issues of tolerance and dependence.