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'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should document the intervention as 3) Therapeutic touch was performed; patient verbalized lessening of pain after treatment. This accurately reflects that the nurse used his hands to direct energy fields surrounding the patient's body, and the patient reported a reduction in pain after the intervention. Option 1) refers to tactile distraction, which is not applicable in this situation. Option 2) mentions guided imagery, which is also not mentioned in the question. Option 4) mentions sequential muscle relaxation, which is not described in the question.