The nurse inquires of a postoperative client as to the need for pain m

The nurse inquires of a postoperative client as to the need for pain medication. The client denies the need then but 30 minutes later reports, “I am really in a lot of pain. Can you bring me my pain pill now?”

The nurse recognizes that the most immediate need for client education is related to explaining that:
1. His oral medication will take approximately 30 minutes to affect his pain
2. There may be a need to administer his pain medication via the intravenous route
3. Pain medication is more effective if blood levels are maintained at a constant level
4. His pain will be more effectively managed if he reports a need for pain medica-tion while the pain is still tolerable

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Teach clients the importance of reporting their pain sooner rather than later because the pain is better managed while it is still tolerable. Medication routes do affect the amount of time it will take to feel relief, and blood levels are a factor in pain management as well. The answer address-es the most general and immediate educational need.