The nurse is conducting a pain assessment of a 10-year-old boy who has been taking acetaminophen for chronic knee pain. The assessment indicates that the recommended dose is no longer providing adequate relief. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The appropriate nursing action when a medication is no longer providing adequate relief, and the maximum recommended dose is being used, is to obtain an order for a different medication. This is because increasing the dose beyond recommended levels can be dangerous, and while non-pharmacological methods like guided imagery can be helpful, they may not be sufficient on their own. Telling the child he is experiencing the ceiling effect is informative but does not address the need for effective pain management.

The Nurse Is Conducting a Pain Assessment of a 10-Year-Old