The nurse is caring for a client with chronic pain who just had surgery and is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine. The client is in severe pain, with a rating of 10/10, despite receiving the maximum ordered dose. The nurse calls the health care provider, saying that the client is still having pain and recommending a higher PCA dose. Which nursing role is being implemented in this situation?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client with chronic pain who just had surgery and is receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine.  The client is in severe pain, with a rating of 10/10, despite receiving the maximum ordered dose.  The nurse calls the health care provider, saying that the client is still having pain and recommending a higher PCA dose.  Which nursing role is being implemented in this situation?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The role of the nurse as advocate is to protect the rights of the client, including the right to adequate pain control. The nurse acting as advocate speaks up for clients when they cannot easily speak for themselves. (Option B) In the role of caregiver, the nurse promotes healing and well-being by helping the client and family set and achieve goals through the nursing process. (Option C) In the role of educator, the nurse helps the client and family learn about topics relevant to their health. (Option D) In the role of manager, the nurse coordinates the care of the client among different members of the interdisciplinary team and across care settings. Educational objective: An important nursing role is client advocacy, which involves speaking up for clients to protect their rights and improve their health outcomes and experiences.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Chronic Pain