A 64-year-old patient just returned from surgery.She is breathing rapidly and moving constantly in bed.She states,"I am scared and I hurt so much." What would be an appropriate intervention? Select all that apply.

A) Immediately notify the surgeon of these data (physical symptoms and patient's statement) .
B) State calmly, "I am going to do everything I can to make you more comfortable."
C) Tell the patient you would like to help her calm down and take some deep breaths.
D) Ask the nursing assistive personnel to stay with the patient while you get an analgesic for her.
E) Turn on the television to distract her from the pain and anxiety.

Question

Diana Vasquez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B,C,D , Explanation :  Relaxation exercises,deep breathing,and other nonpharmacological measures can also help to take the edge off the patient's pain experience and help the patient to feel more in control; therefore,you should provide comfort measures to the patient.The goal would be to calm her so you can perform a thorough assessment.Calming anxiety also helps to relieve pain.Analgesics help reduce pain,which will also lessen the anxiety that can aggravate a pain experience.You would not call the surgeon before the assessment,but rather after you have determined that her condition requires medical evaluation.Although turning on the television might be helpful by providing distraction,for others the noise might overstimulate and further increase the pain.It would be better to manage the pain with therapeutic measures,instead of turning on the television while the patient is still in pain.

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