A patient who is receiving pain medication around the clock complains of an acute exacerbation of pain. What should the nurse do to help this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Providing the medication ordered for breakthrough pain is the appropriate action to take in this situation. The patient is already receiving pain medication around the clock, but the acute exacerbation of pain requires additional medication to manage the breakthrough pain. Talking the patient through the pain or encouraging the patient to ignore the pain is not effective in managing pain. Additionally, giving the patient an NSAID may not be appropriate if the patient is already receiving a pain medication regimen, as it could lead to drug interactions and potential adverse effects.

A Patient Who Is Receiving Pain Medication Around the Clock