Question

The nurse uses his hands to direct energy fields surrounding the patients body. After this intervention, the patient states that his pain has lessened. How should the nurse document the intervention?

1) Tactile distraction was performed and appeared effective in reducing pain.

2) Guided imagery was effective to relax the patient and reduce the pain.

3) Therapeutic touch was performed; patient verbalized lessening of pain after treatment.

4) Sequential muscle relaxation was performed; patient states pain is less.

Answer 1

The nurse should document the intervention as 'Therapeutic touch was performed; patient verbalized lessening of pain after treatment' to accurately reflect the technique used to alleviate the patient's pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should document the intervention as therapeutic touch was performed; the patient verbalized a lessening of pain after the treatment. This documentation accurately reflects the intervention technique used by the nurse, who directed energy fields around the patient's body to alleviate discomfort. This type of intervention is distinct from other techniques like tactile distraction, guided imagery, or sequential muscle relaxation, in that it specifically involves manipulating the patient's energy fields rather than providing a distraction, imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation exercises.