Question

The nurse is caring for a burn client with orders for oral ibuprofen and morphine PRN to control pain. Which nursing interaction is the most beneficial for the nurse to implement for pain management?

Option 1:
Provide a pain assessment tool and encourage the client to rate pain regularly.

Option 2:
Administer morphine as soon as the client reports pain.

Option 3:
Limit the use of ibuprofen to avoid potential side effects.

Option 4:
Suggest non-pharmacological interventions like guided imagery for pain relief.

Answer 1

The best nursing interaction for pain management is to provide a pain assessment tool and encourage regular pain rating, as it aids in precise pain management with medications like ibuprofen and morphine.

Step-by-step explanation:

In managing pain for a burn client, Option 1: Provide a pain assessment tool and encourage the client to rate pain regularly is the most beneficial interaction a nurse can implement. This approach allows for regular and precise measurement of the pain level, which is crucial for determining the need for and timing of medications like ibuprofen and morphine. While morphine is very effective in alleviating severe pain and ibuprofen is beneficial for mild to moderate pain, particularly associated with inflammation, the risks of side effects and addiction require careful assessment and management. Non-pharmacological interventions can complement this but should not replace medication management in severe cases.