The hospice RN obtains the following information about a 72-year-old terminally ill patient with cancer of the colon. The patient takes oxycodone (OxyContin) 100 mg twice daily for level 6 abdomen pain on a 10-point scale. The pain has made it difficult to continue with favorite activities such as playing cards with friends twice a week. The patient's children are supportive of the patient's wish to stop chemotherapy but express sadness that the patient does not have long to live. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis has priority in planning the patient's care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The assessment data indicate that the patient's priority is to be able to continue with favorite activities and that decreasing the pain level would accomplish this goal. There is no indication of anxiety, and the patient's and family's coping skills appear to be good. Although the patient is taking a large dose of oxycodone, there is no evidence that this has suppressed the respiratory rate or the gag/cough reflexes.

The Hospice RN Obtains the Following Information About a 72-Year-Old