A patient is diagnosed with pleurisy. What should the nurse suggest to the patient to alleviate the associated chest pain from this disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Teaching the patient to splint the affected area when coughing can help alleviate chest pain in pleurisy by reducing the movement and irritation of the pleura, the membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Taking analgesics only when the pain is severe is not a proactive way to manage the pain, and could lead to inadequate pain relief. Bed rest may be prescribed, but it is not a direct intervention for pain relief. While pleurisy can be accompanied by fever, warning the patient to expect a fever does not address the chest pain.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with Pleurisy