Final answer:
The nurse should assess the patient's current pain level and consider healthcare provider's orders before administering medication. It may be necessary to contact the healthcare provider to request a reassessment of the pain management plan. The nurse must ensure the patient's safety and follow protocol.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient reports a pain level that is higher than the level for which their medication is prescribed, the nurse should first assess the situation. Pain management is crucial in healthcare, and accurately assessing and treating pain is an important part of a nurse's responsibility. The nurse should consider the patient's current pain level, the prescribed medication, and the healthcare provider's orders.
It may be necessary for the nurse to contact the healthcare provider to report the patient's current pain level and request a reassessment of the pain management plan. It's essential to ensure the safety of the patient, and that the right dose of medication is administered according to the pain level and medical orders. The nurse should not administer a medication intended for a lower level of pain without consulting a healthcare provider if the patient's pain is significantly higher.
Additionally, assessments, as indicated by the Mosby pain rating scale, should be reported accurately to the healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and adjustment of the pain management regimen. The nurse needs to check that the action taken makes sense and is consistent with the healthcare facility's protocols for diagnostic, occupational, and therapeutic exposures.