Question

Multimodal therapies for postoperative clients include opioids and nonopioid therapies, regional anesthetic techniques, and nonpharmacologic therapies. This approach is thought to be the most important strategy for pain management for most postoperative clients. Standing orders are less optimal because there is no consideration of individual needs or characteristics. PCA is one important element, but not all clients can manage PCA devices. Assessment tools are an important part of overall management, but basing opioid dose on a numerical scale does not consider individual client circumstances.

A. Multimodal therapies are the cornerstone of postoperative pain management.

B. Standing orders should be the primary approach for postoperative pain.

C. PCA devices are suitable for all postoperative clients.

D. Basing opioid dose on a numerical scale is the best practice for pain management.

Answer 1

Multimodal therapies include various medications and techniques customized to patient needs for effective postoperative pain management, rather than sole reliance on standardized orders or PCA devices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Multimodal therapies are indeed the cornerstone of postoperative pain management. These therapies often include a combination of opioids, such as morphine, oxycodone, and codeine, along with non-opioid medications and anesthetic techniques. They may also encompass nonpharmacologic methods to provide a comprehensive approach tailored to individual patient needs. As stated, using only PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) devices or standing orders for medication administration may not be suitable for all patients. A patient's pain is complex, and what works for one might not work for another due to various factors. Instead, assessment tools combined with careful consideration of the patient's unique situation should guide the analgesic approach, rather than relying on a numerical scale to dictate opioid doses, acknowledging that this does not consider individual client circumstances.