Final answer:
Patients showing reluctance to use pain medication or misunderstanding the risk of addiction and their role in requesting PRN medications need further teaching. They should be educated on early pain management, balancing side effects, and the differences between appropriate use and addiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients need additional teaching regarding PRN medication and management if they make certain statements that reflect misunderstandings about pain management and addiction. Statements a and b indicate a reluctance to use pain medication that may lead to under-treatment and unnecessary suffering. Statement c shows a misunderstanding of the nature of addiction and the difference between dependency and addiction, while statement e indicates a misconception about the nurse's role in managing PRN medications. Appropriate pain management aims to treat pain early to prevent worsening and manage it effectively within the framework set by healthcare providers, which may require clear communication and understanding of how and when to use pain medications.
Specifically, statement a, "I should wait until my pain gets worse before asking for pain medication," indicates a misconception as it is generally better to manage pain before it becomes severe. Statement b, "It's better to put up with the pain than deal with the side effects of pain medication," shows a lack of understanding of the balance between pain management and side effect management. Statement c, "If I ask for pain medication, I may become addicted," suggests the need for education on the risks of addiction and the distinctions between appropriate use and misuse. Statement e, "The nurse will know when my medication is due and will administer the medication to me automatically," reflects a misunderstanding as PRN medications require the patient to request them when needed.