Question 1

Which definition of pain is the foundation for the planning of nursing care for the client in pain?

Accepted Answer

The definition "Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever he says it does" emphasizes the subjective nature of pain and is foundational for nursing care, as it prioritizes the patient's self-report and experience of pain.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client with a myocardial infarction. Which factor is the typical trigger for the chest pain experienced by the client?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood supply to the heart muscle (ischemia) is the typical trigger for the chest pain experienced during a myocardial infarction. This occurs when the blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle is reduced, often due to blockage from atherosclerotic plaques, leading to chest pain or discomfort.

Question 3

Which conditions are possible physical causes of pain? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

What characteristics are factors considered in the diagnosis of chronic pain? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for 6 months or longer (C) and significantly impacts an individual's daily functioning or quality of life (E).

Question 5

A client with a fractured leg is in pain. The nurse understands that the client is experiencing which kind of pain?

Accepted Answer

Nociceptive pain is caused by damage to body tissue and is usually described as a sharp, aching, or throbbing pain. A fractured leg involves damage to bones and possibly surrounding tissues, fitting the description of nociceptive pain.

Question 6

What statement by a client is reflective of the existence of referred pain?

Accepted Answer

Referred pain is a phenomenon where pain is perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus. In the case of heart issues, it's common for pain to be felt in the left arm, neck, or jaw rather than directly in the chest. This is a classic example of referred pain, where the brain misinterprets the origin of pain due to the way sensory information is processed.

Question 7

What characteristics should the nurse include in the documentation of pain in the electronic medical record? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The nurse should document the level of pain, description of pain, actions taken to relieve pain, and the patient's response to pain medication to provide a comprehensive assessment and management plan for the patient's pain. Vital signs are important but not specifically related to documenting the characteristics of pain itself.

Question 8

What statements accurately describe the guidelines included in The Joint Commission accreditation standards to improve the management of pain? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The Joint Commission's guidelines emphasize the patient's right to pain management, the necessity of ongoing assessment including pain's nature and intensity, the requirement to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management interventions, and the need for staff to be competent in pain assessment and management. Option E is incorrect because the guidelines advocate for a standardized approach to pain evaluation, not solely based on a nurse's judgment.

Question 9

When caring for a 1-year-old child with a wound, the nurse observes the child crying and kicking the legs. According the FLACC Nonverbal Pain Scale, the nurse should give which score for the child's action represented by his leg movement?

Accepted Answer

The FLACC Nonverbal Pain Scale includes a category for "Legs" where 0 indicates no movement or normal movement, 1 indicates uneasy, restless, or tense movements, and 2 indicates kicking or legs drawn up. The child's action of kicking the legs is a clear indication of pain, which is scored as 2 on the FLACC scale.

Question 10

A nurse is assessing a client for pain. The client does not speak English and has difficulty expressing himself. What method would be best for the nurse to use to rate the intensity of pain?

Accepted Answer

The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale is most suitable for clients who have difficulty with language because it uses facial expressions to represent levels of pain, making it easier for the client to indicate their pain level without needing to understand or speak English.

Question 11

A nurse is assessing a client for pain. Which scales require the client to describe the nature and intensity of the pain to the nurse? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, Numerical scale 0 to 10, and Pain Distress scale require the client to describe the nature and intensity of their pain.

Question 12

The nurse is attempting to get a complete description of a client's pain. Which description by the client describes the character of the client's pain?

Accepted Answer

The character of pain refers to the quality or nature of the pain as experienced by the individual, such as aching, burning, stabbing, etc. Choices B and C describe the frequency and intensity of the pain, respectively, while D describes associated symptoms rather than the character of the pain itself.

Question 13

A client diagnosed with a terminal illness is experiencing a phase of depression and decreased self-esteem. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's care plan to help the client express feelings?

Accepted Answer

Participation in a support group can provide a safe space for the client to express feelings and share experiences with others who are going through similar situations, which can be therapeutic and help improve self-esteem.

Question 14

How do individuals with chronic pain typically report the character of their pain? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do individuals with chronic pain typically...

Question 15

What are symptoms of depression that the nurse needs to assess in a client with chronic pain? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are symptoms of depression that the...

Question 16

What chemicals and foods decrease the endorphin production? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What chemicals and foods decrease the endorphin...

Question 17

Which statement describes one's pain threshold?

Accepted Answer

Pain threshold refers to the lowest intensity of a stimulus that causes the subject to recognize pain. It is the point at which a sensation starts to be painful.

Question 18

What statement descripts one's pain tolerance?

Accepted Answer

Pain tolerance refers to the maximum level of pain that a person is able to tolerate or endure before it becomes unbearable.

Question 19

Which classification of pain medication would be appropriate for the nurse to administer
To the client reporting mild to moderate pain?

Accepted Answer

Nonopioid-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are appropriate for mild to moderate pain because they can effectively manage pain without the risks associated with opioids, such as addiction or respiratory depression. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation and are commonly used for conditions like headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis.

Question 20

What treatment is considered for chronic back pain that has not responded to other treatments?

Accepted Answer

Cutting the nerves that transmit the pain, known as a nerve ablation or rhizotomy, is considered for chronic back pain that has not responded to other treatments.

Quiz 55: Client Comfort and Pain Management