The nurse is caring for a postoperative older patient who received PO hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Lortab)45 minutes prior after reporting a pain level of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.The patient reports a pain level of 4,and the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute,a heart rate of 92 beats per minute,and a blood pressure of 170/95 mm Hg.Which action will the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Even though the patient reports decreased pain,the patient's vital signs indicate continued discomfort.The nurse should contact the provider to request a stronger analgesic.The pain medication should have been effective within 30 minutes.Ibuprofen is used for musculoskeletal pain.Non-pharmacologic measures may be useful,but the patient still needs a stronger analgesic.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Postoperative Older Patient Who