A young adult male client of Arab descent is admitted to the medical-surgical unit for a ruptured appendix. The client's parents are at the bedside for most of the day. The nurse who is providing care notes that the client denies pain while on day shift, but request medication every four hours during the night. Which explanation for this client behavior is the most probable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client may not report pain in the presence of parents based on their influence or cultural beliefs. This is a common behavior in some cultures where children are encouraged to endure pain and pain expression is seen as a sign of weakness. The parents may also play a role in discouraging pain expression as a sign of strength and endurance. Therefore, the client may feel more comfortable asking for pain medication when alone or with a nurse who is not perceived as a parental figure.

A Young Adult Male Client of Arab Descent Is Admitted