Final answer:
To aid in pain relief for lower back pain from a musculoskeletal injury, nurses can use options such as moist cold and exercises, while considering NSAIDs for inflammation and pain. Stronger medications like opioids may be necessary for severe or chronic pain but should be supervised by a doctor due to potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
To augment drugs and aid in pain relief for a patient experiencing lower back pain due to a musculoskeletal injury, a nurse can consider several options besides medications. For instance, option A, moist cold, can be beneficial in the acute phase of an injury as cold therapy helps to reduce inflammation and numb the painful area. However, it's important to note that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, indicated as option B, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain but should not be used immediately after an injury if there's a risk of bleeding in the muscle. Options C and D involve exercises: passive exercise can promote healing and flexibility without straining the injured area, while active exercise might be used later in the rehabilitation process to strengthen the back muscles and promote recovery. The timing and appropriateness of these interventions will depend on the specific circumstances and stages of healing of the injury.
When it comes to moderate-intensity pain, particularly that associated with inflammation, NSAIDs can be very effective. However, for more severe or chronic pain, stronger pain relievers like opioids may be necessary, although these come with increased risk of serious side effects and addiction and should therefore be used only under a doctor's supervision. The type of pain and stage of healing are crucial considerations when deciding on an intervention to support pain management.