The nurse is caring for a client who is reporting a pain level of 8 on a 0-to-10 numeric pain scale. The nurse administers the prescribed pain medication. When the nurse re-evaluates the client 1 hour later, the client is still reporting a pain level of 8. Which action by the nurse is appropriate at this time?
A)Wait for the healthcare provider to make rounds to report the problem.
B)Report to the healthcare provider by telephone.
C)Increase the dosage of the medication.
D)Include an entry in the nursing report indicating that the medication is ineffective.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)In this case, reporting to the healthcare provider by telephone is appropriate. The nurse would address the client's distress immediately and later include the event in the end-of-shift report to the oncoming nurse. The nurse cannot alter the dose of medication. Waiting for the provider to arrive could cause the client to experience a great deal of pain in the interim.
B)In this case, reporting to the healthcare provider by telephone is appropriate. The nurse would address the client's distress immediately and later include the event in the end-of-shift report to the oncoming nurse. The nurse cannot alter the dose of medication. Waiting for the provider to arrive could cause the client to experience a great deal of pain in the interim.
C)In this case, reporting to the healthcare provider by telephone is appropriate. The nurse would address the client's distress immediately and later include the event in the end-of-shift report to the oncoming nurse. The nurse cannot alter the dose of medication. Waiting for the provider to arrive could cause the client to experience a great deal of pain in the interim.
D)In this case, reporting to the healthcare provider by telephone is appropriate. The nurse would address the client's distress immediately and later include the event in the end-of-shift report to the oncoming nurse. The nurse cannot alter the dose of medication. Waiting for the provider to arrive could cause the client to experience a great deal of pain in the interim.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Reporting