The nurse is caring for a patient with a painful back injury that occurred 6 months ago. Which nursing diagnosis-using the Problem-Etiology-Symptoms (PES) system-is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nursing diagnosis of chronic pain related to muscle spasms as evidenced by patient pain rating of 8 and difficulty walking is the best choice because it reflects a long-standing issue that has not resolved over time. Option A refers to acute pain, which implies a recent onset, and option C only describes one symptom without a clear etiology. Option D identifies a specific cause of pain but does not provide information on its duration or impact on the patient's daily life.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Painful