The patient is in severe pain and is requesting a prn medication before the prn time interval has elapsed.What is the nurse's priority?
A)Give the medication early for any pain score greater than 8.
B)Call the prescriber and request a stat order.
C)Explain to the patient why he will have to wait for the medication.
D)Document the patient's request and pain score.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should use clinical judgement to advocate for the patient by requesting a stat order for the patient's breakthrough pain.The nurse cannot give a medication without an order because this violates the "Right Time" portion of the Ten Rights of Medication Administration.If a nurse determines that a patient is in severe pain,she must use clinical judgement to find that patient a means of pain relief.Although the nurse should document the patient's request and pain score,this is not the priority.

The Patient Is in Severe Pain and Is Requesting a Prn