Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
41. A client with a known history of IV drug use is found to have acute appendicitis with perforation. Following surgery, the client reports severe pain at the surgical incision. There are no signs of abscess formation or other postoperative complications. The correct approach to manage the client's pain would be to:
. Give the ordered opioid.
. Expect a placebo to be ordered.
. Give an NSAID or acetaminophen.
. Use nondrug therapies such as visualization.
Test-Taking Tip
Remember: pain is what the client says it is—severe. Three of the options involve other measures, but not what was ordered. Select this option that is different.
Content Area: Adult Health, Pain Control; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Pharmacological Pain Management
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is correct because the client must be treated for pain as expressed. The IV drug use may require that a higher dose be given, but the presence of pain as expressed by the client should not be ignored. Answer 2 is incorrect because IV drug use may only alter the drug effectiveness, not the feeling of pain. Answer 3 is incorrect because these drugs are not effective for moderate to severe pain. Answer 4 is incorrect because nondrug therapies alone are not adequate for pain management.