Question

A client with stage I bone cancer is admitted to the hospital for pain control. The client verbalizes continuous, severe pain of 8 on a 1 to 10 scale. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

a. Give maximum dosage when score reaches 10.
b. Educate client on signs and symptoms of narcotic dependency.
c. Administer opioid and non-opioid medication simultaneously.
d. Alternate IV and IM analgesic medications.

Answer 1

For a client with stage I bone cancer and a pain score of 8, the nurse should administer both opioid and non-opioid medications simultaneously to effectively manage severe pain, while also educating about narcotic dependency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario describes a client with stage I bone cancer experiencing severe pain with a pain score of 8 out of 10 on the Mosby pain rating scale. The nurse should consider implementing a pain management plan that effectively controls the client's pain while recognizing the potential for narcotic dependency. Administering opioid and non-opioid medication simultaneously is often recommended for managing severe pain, and this can be the most effective and immediate way to address the client's high pain score. This strategy utilizes the different mechanisms of action that opioids and non-opioids have, addressing pain relief more comprehensively. Additionally, educating the client about the signs of narcotic dependency is crucial, but it should not be the primary intervention when the client is experiencing severe pain.