The nurse is discussing the effects of pain with an older adult client

The nurse is discussing the effects of pain with an older adult client diagnosed with osteoarthri-tis. The most therapeutic response to the client’s comment of, “I wonder whether it would hurt if I took a nap in the afternoon?” would be:

1. “As long as it did not interfere with your getting a good night’s sleep.”
2. “I’d suggest taking your nap right after you take your pain medication.”
3. “If it helps you cope better with the pain, I don’t see any harm in taking a nap.”
4. “I think a nap is a good idea because we seem to feel pain more when we are tired.”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Fatigue heightens the perception of pain and decreases coping abilities. If fatigue occurs along with sleeplessness, the perception of pain is even greater. Pain is often experienced less after a restful sleep than at the end of a long day. The other options are not inappropriate but are not as informative regarding the benefit of rest on the perception or effects of pain.