1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pain level using the Numeric Pain Scale. The patient rates their pain as 7 out of 10. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the pain level in the medical record
B. Administer the prescribed pain medication
C. Notify the healthcare provider ab...
1. A nurse is assessing a patient’s pain level using the Numeric Pain Scale. The patient rates
their pain as 7 out of 10. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Document the pain level in the medical record
B. Administer the prescribed pain medication
C. Notify the healthcare provider about the pain level
D. Ask the patient to describe the characteristics of the pain
Answer: D. Ask the patient to describe the characteristics of the pain
Rationale: Understanding the characteristics of the pain (location, quality, duration) will help
guide appropriate interventions.
2. When developing a pain management plan for a patient, which assessment data is most
critical for the nurse to consider?
A. Patient's age
B. Patient's previous experiences with pain
C. Patient’s cultural background
D. Patient's vital signs
Answer: B. Patient's previous experiences with pain
Rationale: Previous experiences with pain can significantly influence a patient's perception of
pain and their response to treatment.
3. Which of the following is a non-pharmacological intervention for pain management?
A. Morphine administration
B. Ice pack application
C. NSAIDs
D. Opioids
Answer: B. Ice pack application
Rationale: Ice packs are a non-pharmacological method to reduce pain and inflammation, unlike
the other options, which involve medications.
4. A patient receiving opioids for pain management is at risk for which of the following
complications?
,A. Hypertension
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Respiratory depression
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C. Respiratory depression
Rationale: Opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to inadequate ventilation.
5. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “I can push the button whenever I feel pain.”
B. “I will let my nurse know if the pain is not relieved.”
C. “I should not let anyone else push the button for me.”
D. “I can use the PCA pump even when I'm not feeling any pain.”
Answer: D. “I can use the PCA pump even when I'm not feeling any pain.”
Rationale: PCA should only be used when the patient is experiencing pain. Using it
unnecessarily can lead to overdose.
6. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for use in a non-verbal patient?
A. Numeric Pain Scale
B. Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale
C. FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability)
D. McGill Pain Questionnaire
Answer: C. FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability)
Rationale: The FLACC scale is designed for patients who cannot communicate their pain
verbally, making it suitable for non-verbal patients.
7. A patient with chronic pain is being evaluated for a pain management regimen. Which of
the following assessments is most important for the nurse to perform?
A. Review of the patient’s pain medication history
B. Assessment of the patient's vital signs
C. Inquiry about the patient's physical activity level
D. Assessment of the patient's mental health status
, Answer: A. Review of the patient’s pain medication history
Rationale: Understanding the patient's medication history can help identify effective pain
management strategies and potential side effects.
8. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is a common misconception about pain?
A. Pain is always subjective.
B. Pain is a natural part of aging.
C. Patients who complain of pain are often seeking drugs.
D. Chronic pain is easily managed with medications.
Answer: D. Chronic pain is easily managed with medications.
Rationale: Chronic pain can be complex and often requires a multimodal approach to
management, not just medications.
9. A patient is experiencing pain after surgery. Which of the following is the best initial
intervention by the nurse?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication.
B. Reassess the patient's pain level after 30 minutes.
C. Teach the patient about pain management strategies.
D. Encourage the patient to use deep breathing techniques.
Answer: A. Administer prescribed pain medication.
Rationale: Providing pain relief is the priority, especially after surgery, to enhance recovery.
10. The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of pain. Which of the following findings is
most indicative of acute pain?
A. Withdrawal from social interactions
B. Increased vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)
C. Fatigue and sleep disturbances
D. History of chronic pain
Answer: B. Increased vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)
Rationale: Acute pain often triggers physiological responses such as increased heart rate and
blood pressure.
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