A client who is scheduled for the second in a series of painful dressi

A client who is scheduled for the second in a series of painful dressing changes asks for “my pain medication now so it’s working when the dressing is changed” is most likely expressing:

1. A great fear of the expected pain
2. A need to be in control of his pain
3. An understanding that it is easier to prevent the pain than to stop the pain
4. An acceptance of the pain that the dressing change will obviously cause him

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Clients often seek relief before pain occurs, having learned that pain is easier to prevent than to treat. Although the other options may not be incorrect, the likelihood is greater for the answer.