A postoperative patient is complaining of incisional pain.An order has been given for morphine every 4 to 6 hours as needed (PRN).What should the nurse assess first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should first determine when the patient last received pain medication so as to avoid giving unnecessary doses and to ensure that the patient is not undermedicated. Assessing for bowel sounds, pupillary reaction and asking the family about pain can be done later, but determining the time of the last dose of pain medication is the priority.

A Postoperative Patient Is Complaining of Incisional Pain