In creating the plan of care for a newly diagnosed breast cancer clien

In creating the plan of care for a newly diagnosed breast cancer client, the nurse is concerned about pain control. The client has expressed an interest in relaxation therapy as a complementary pain therapy.

The nurse knows that the best time to teach the client is:
1. Immediately following the client’s mastectomy
2. Before giving pain medication to evaluate if the complementary therapy works
3. Immediately preceding surgery
4. When the client is comfortable

ANSWER

ANS: 4
For effective relaxation, teach techniques only when the client is not distracted by acute discom-fort. The nurse would want to teach the client before the surgery so that the client could practice the technique before experiencing postsurgical pain.