The 93-year-old woman with chronic back pain is found crying. When the nurse approaches, the patient says, "I know you can't do anything more, but I hurt so bad." What nursing intervention would be most effective?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is expressing emotional distress with her pain. Touching the patient's shoulder and sitting with her quietly without speaking can provide comfort and support without dismissing her concerns or minimizing her pain. This intervention shows empathy and acknowledges the patient's feelings. Additionally, it allows for nonverbal communication, which can be just as reassuring to the patient as spoken language. Bringing pain medication when it is time for it (A) or assuring the patient that the pain medication will take effect soon (B) may be appropriate interventions, but they do not address the patient's emotional distress that she is expressing. Distracting the patient by offering a sip of water (D) may not be effective as the patient is specifically expressing that she is in a lot of pain.

The 93-Year-Old Woman with Chronic Back Pain Is Found Crying