Question

A client states that he is pain and requests the ordered pain medication. When entering the client's room, the client is laughing with visitors and does not appear to be in pain. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

a) Reassess the client's pain in 30 minutes.
b) Contact the client's physician.
c) Hold the pain medication.
d) Administer the pain medication.

Answer 1

The appropriate action for the nurse is to reassess the client's pain in 30 minutes by engaging in conversation, checking vital signs, and observing for physical signs of discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action by the nurse in this situation would be to reassess the client's pain in 30 minutes. It is important for the nurse to investigate further and gather more information to accurately assess the client's pain level. The fact that the client is laughing and socializing does not necessarily mean they are not experiencing pain. Pain can be subjective and can vary depending on the individual.

The nurse should engage in a conversation with the client and ask open-ended questions to understand their pain experience. They may also want to check the client's vital signs and observe for any physical signs of discomfort. Based on the reassessment, the nurse can make an informed decision about whether to administer the pain medication or not.