A client who had surgery refuses pain medication. The nurse assessing this client would first ask questions regarding the client's (select all that apply)
A) beliefs about the benefits of placebos.
B) cultural expectations regarding pain behaviors and pain treatment.
C) interpretation or meaning the client gives to the pain.
D) prior experiences with pain and pain relief.
E) understanding how different pain medications work.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Culture, the meaning a client ascribes to pain, and prior experiences with pain and pain relief all can have dramatic effects on the way a client manages a painful situation. Placebos are unethical and should not be used. Understanding the mechanism of action of different pain medications would not be a priority area to assess when trying to find the reason a client in pain refuses medication. Once the client has agreed to pain medication, the nurse should instruct the client on how the particular medication the client takes works.

A Client Who Had Surgery Refuses Pain Medication