NCLEX-PN® ExaminationBasic Care and ComfortMedium
A client is experiencing severe postoperative pain, rated 9/10 on a pain scale. The LPN has administered prescribed analgesics and is now considering non-pharmacological interventions. Which intervention is most appropriate to implement at this time?
- AProvide guided imagery or distraction techniques.
- BOffer a warm compress to the surgical site to promote relaxation.
- CSuggest deep breathing and coughing exercises.
- DEncourage the client to ambulate around the room to distract from the pain.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Provide guided imagery or distraction techniques.
For severe pain (9/10), non-pharmacological interventions are best used as adjuncts to pharmacological pain relief. Guided imagery and distraction are effective techniques that can help the client cope with severe pain by shifting focus and promoting relaxation, without requiring significant physical effort.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Applying heat to a fresh surgical site is generally contraindicated as it can increase swelling and bleeding; cold therapy might be used, but not typically heat.
- C. While important post-op, deep breathing and coughing exercises can be painful for a client with severe pain and are primarily for respiratory complications, not pain relief directly.
- D. Ambulation with severe pain (9/10) would likely exacerbate the pain and is inappropriate post-operatively without significant pain control.
Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief
Methods to reduce pain that do not involve medications, often used as adjuncts to pharmacological treatments.
- Include distraction, guided imagery, relaxation, massage, hot/cold therapy.
- Effectiveness varies by pain level and individual preference.
- Often more effective for mild to moderate pain or as adjuncts for severe pain.
Memory trick: Mind over matter helps when meds are on board.