A 17-year-old postoperative patient is laughing with friends.Soon after they leave,he tells the nurse he is experiencing pain and asks for something for pain.What does the nurse understand about this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Distraction, such as laughing with friends, can reduce pain awareness. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level and provide appropriate pain relief as needed. It is not appropriate to assume that the patient is faking pain or that laughing means the patient is not truly in pain. Postoperative pain may come on suddenly, but it is important for the nurse to continually assess the patient's pain level and provide appropriate pain management.

A 17-Year-Old Postoperative Patient Is Laughing with Friends