Question

A patient arriving to the nursing unit following extensive abdominal surgery reports severe pain, which the patient rates as an 9 on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the most extreme pain). The prescriber has ordered acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally every 6 hours PRN (as needed) for pain. What action should the nurse take?

a. Ask the patient if he would prefer aspirin for the post operative pain control.
b. Contact the provider to request a different analgesic medication.
c. Give the acetaminophen and bring the patient a meal to promote comfort.
d. Request an order to administer the acetaminophen every 2 hours.

Answer 1

The nurse should contact the provider to request a more potent analgesic medication appropriate for severe postoperative pain, as acetaminophen may not be sufficient for a pain level of 9 out of 10.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient is reporting severe pain rated as an 9 on a scale from 1 to 10 after extensive abdominal surgery, it's important for the nurse to recognize that acetaminophen may not provide adequate postoperative pain control. Based on the pain severity and context, the appropriate action would be option b. Contact the provider to request a different analgesic medication such as morphine or oxycodone, which are used for moderate to severe pain, especially post surgery.

Acetaminophen is effective for mild to moderate pain relief and has fewer side effects than some other pain medications when used appropriately. However, for a pain level as high as 9, especially following major surgery, a stronger analgesic or an opioid may be necessary. It is critical not to exceed the recommended dose of acetaminophen due to the risk of liver damage, especially in patients who may consume alcohol or have preexisting liver conditions.