Asked by Taylor Hamlin on May 26, 2024
Verified
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic pain from arthritis. Which action is best for the nurse to take?
A) Give pain medications around the clock.
B) Administer pain medication before any activity.
C) Give pain medication after the pain is a 7/10 on the pain scale.
D) Administer pain medication only when nonpharmacological measures have failed.
Arthritis
A collection of conditions characterized by painful, inflamed joints leading to stiffness and discomfort.
Nonpharmacological Measures
Therapeutic approaches that do not involve medications to relieve symptoms, manage conditions, or improve wellbeing.
Around the Clock
Continuous or at all times, often used to describe 24-hour availability or activities that occur throughout the day and night.
- Recognize the importance of continuous versus as-needed pain management strategies for chronic conditions.
Verified Answer
VC
Vivika CastilloMay 28, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
When a patient with arthritis has chronic pain, the best way to manage pain is to take medication regularly throughout the day to maintain constant pain relief. "Before any activity" is nonspecific, and the medication may not have time to work before activity. If the patient waits until having pain (7/10) to take the medication, pain relief takes longer. Nonpharmacological measures are used in conjunction with medications unless requested otherwise by the patient.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the importance of continuous versus as-needed pain management strategies for chronic conditions.