The nurse is caring for a client who has had hip replacement surgery 2 days before.The client reports severe pain at the surgical site despite having received 2 Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)tablets 2 hours previously.The client is requesting IV pain medication.What is the nurse's primary intervention?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most clients do not need IV pain medication after the first day.If the client seems to be having unusual pain,the nurse should first assess the client for other problems,such as a joint infection.If findings are normal,applying ice to the hip will help to reduce swelling and pain.It is not time for another dose of Vicodin,because it has only been 2 hours.The nurse would not contact the surgeon unless all pain methods tried did not work.The Vicodin should have worked within 2 hours,so the nurse should not tell the client that the Vicodin will work shortly.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Had