Question

A middle-age client is complaining of acute joint pain to a nurse who is assessing the client's pain in a clinic. Which of

the following questions related to pain assessment should the nurse ask the client?
A) Does your diet include red meat and poultry products?
B) Does your pain level change after taking medications?
C) Are your family members aware of your pain?
D) Have you thought of the effects of your condition on your family?

Answer 1

The most relevant question a nurse should ask a client with joint pain is whether their pain level changes after taking medications, as it directly relates to pain management and treatment efficacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a middle-aged client complaining of acute joint pain, the most appropriate question a nurse should ask is:

B) Does your pain level change after taking medications?

This question directly addresses the effectiveness of potential pain management strategies the client may be using. Understanding the response to medications can help in evaluating the nature of the joint pain and in determining the next steps for treatment or further assessment. Other questions such as those related to diet and the impact of the condition on the client's family, while potentially useful for a broader understanding, are not as relevant to the immediate clinical assessment of the client's pain.

Joint pain can be a symptom of a variety of health issues, ranging from normal wear and tear to more serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder. There are other forms of arthritis as well, which can result from aging, damage to the articular cartilage, autoimmune diseases, bacterial or viral infections, or genetic causes.