Study 3 Pain Management with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
Why should pain be assessed through the patient’s report?
Pain is a personal sensory and emotional experience. Take the patient’s report seriously; vital signs, visible behavior, or an apparent cause alone cannot establish how much pain they have.
In PQRSTU, what does P assess?
P stands for provocation or palliation: ask what makes the pain worse or better.
What is a comfort-function goal?
A comfort-function goal identifies the level of relief that would let the patient do something meaningful, such as cough deeply or walk to the bathroom.
How can pain be assessed when a patient cannot reliably communicate?
Use a validated observational tool suited to the patient’s age and condition. Consider facial expression, guarding, movement, vocalization, and changes from usual behavior.
How should a nurse clarify different pain ratings at rest and during activity?
Listen, acknowledge the experience, and clarify the difference without challenging the patient. Pain may vary with activity, so ask about each situation.
What precautions matter when considering an NSAID?
Check allergies, contraindications, and relevant precautions. NSAIDs may be unsuitable for some patients with bleeding or kidney risks.
What should be monitored when a patient receives an opioid?
Monitor alertness, breathing, pain relief, and other effects according to the order and facility protocol. Promptly report concerning sedation or slowed breathing.
What should be verified before administering pain medication?
Verify the medication, dose, route, timing, allergies, and relevant assessment findings before administration.
How should nonpharmacological pain methods be used?
Offer safe, acceptable options such as repositioning, paced breathing, relaxation, or music. These methods can complement medication, but should not dismiss pain or delay necessary assessment and treatment.
What should pain reassessment evaluate after an intervention?
Reassess pain with the same scale when possible, ask whether the functional goal is met, and check for adverse effects. If relief is inadequate or a safety concern arises, reassess, document, and notify the appropriate clinician.
In PQRSTU, what does Q assess?
Q stands for quality: ask the patient to describe the sensation, such as aching, burning, sharp, or pressure-like.
In PQRSTU, what does R assess?
R stands for region or radiation: ask where the pain is and whether it moves or spreads.