Practice Question
Prior to administering pain medication to an adult postoperative client, what information should the practical nurse (PN) obtain? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10
Rationale:
✅ B. Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10
💊 Assessing the intensity of pain using a standardized scale (e.g., 0 to 10) is essential before administering any pain medication.
💊 It helps the nurse determine whether medication is necessary, and to what degree.
💊 Pain scales support objective documentation and allow for comparison after intervention.
💊 This step is a cornerstone of patient-centered care in pain management.
💊 Understanding the client’s rating ensures the medication choice is appropriate for the pain level reported.
✅ C. Time of last administration of pain medication
💊 Knowing the timing of the previous dose helps prevent overdosing or underdosing.
💊 Most pain medications have set dosing intervals (e.g., every 4–6 hours) that must be followed strictly.
💊 Administering too soon can increase the risk of toxicity or respiratory depression, especially with opioids.
💊 This timing also affects the nurse’s judgment on whether a different intervention or breakthrough dose is needed.
💊 It ensures safe medication administration aligned with the pharmacokinetics of the drug.
✅ D. Effectiveness of last pain medication administered
💊 Asking the client about the relief obtained from previous doses helps guide the choice and dosage of current medication.
💊 If the previous dose was ineffective, the nurse may need to notify the provider for adjustments or use adjunct therapies.
💊 Evaluating effectiveness helps ensure the client is not left in uncontrolled pain, which can delay recovery.
💊 This is also important for tracking tolerance development, especially in long-term medication users.
💊 Assessing response contributes to a more individualized and responsive care plan.
✅ E. History of pain medication use during the past year
💊 Reviewing the client’s pain management history helps identify potential tolerance, dependency, or resistance to specific medications.
💊 It may uncover chronic pain patterns, previous allergic reactions, or medications that were ineffective.
💊 This background allows for more targeted pain control strategies and minimizes unnecessary side effects.
💊 It is also crucial in evaluating the risk of opioid misuse or need for alternative therapies.
💊 Documenting past use helps develop a more comprehensive and safe pain management plan.
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This question is from PN ATI Comprehensive Predictor~2023 Exam 1 which contains 176 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exit Exam(s)
- Domain: Exit Exam(s)~2023
- Answer Choices: 5