Question

Four clients have requested medication for pain. Which client should receive pain medication first? A. A 35-year-old client with fractures of the right femur B. An 18-year-old client who is one day post appendectomy C. A 55-year-old client with diverticulitis D. A 47-year-old client who is one week post myocardial infarction

Short answer

Answer: A. A 35-year-old client with fractures of the right femur.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the medical conditions

In order to prioritize the clients, we should have a basic understanding of their medical condition: A. A 35-year-old client with fractures of the right femur: Fractures can cause severe pain and might need immediate attention to ensure comfort and avoid further complications. B. An 18-year-old client who is one day post appendectomy: Post-operative pain is expected after surgery; however, the intensity of the pain reduces over time. It is important to manage the pain, but the priority depends on the severity of the pain and the presence of any complications. C. A 55-year-old client with diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula in the colon. The condition may cause abdominal pain, which may require pain management, but it's not usually as severe as fractures or post-operative pain from other surgeries. D. A 47-year-old client who is one week post myocardial infarction: The pain from a myocardial infarction usually subsides after a few days, and since it's been a week, this client may not have the same level of urgency as others.

Compare the severity of the conditions

Now that we have understood the medical conditions of all clients, we need to compare the severity and determine which client has the most urgent need for pain medication. Here are the considerations: A. Fracture patients can suffer from unbearable pain and need immediate management. B. Post-appendectomy pain is expected, and since it's only one day after the surgery, it can be intense, but severity is subjective. C. Diverticulitis pain is typically not as severe as fractures or post-surgical pain. D. The myocardial infarction patient is one week post-event, so the pain is likely to have reduced in intensity.

Determine which client should receive pain medication first

Based on the analysis and comparison of the four client situations, it is evident that the client experiencing the most acute pain and requiring immediate attention is: A. A 35-year-old client with fractures of the right femur. The other clients may need pain medication as well, but according to the information provided, the client with the fracture should receive medication first.

Key concepts

Client Prioritization

In nursing, client prioritization is a crucial skill that involves assessing various factors to determine which patient requires immediate care. When several clients need assistance, prioritization helps ensure that those with the most urgent needs are attended to first. The process is vital in settings such as hospitals, where resources and time may be limited.

• Understand the medical conditions of each client by determining which one could potentially face the most immediate harm.
• Consider the severity and progression of each client's symptoms. This step involves assessing the level of pain or discomfort, possible complications, and any risks of worsening conditions.
• Evaluate the risk to patient health if not treated promptly. Patients with conditions that could lead to severe complications without immediate attention are prioritized.

By systematically analyzing these elements, nurses can make informed decisions about who to treat first. This method enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery.

Nursing Assessment

A nursing assessment is an essential process where healthcare professionals gather data about a patient's physical condition, mental state, and overall health to devise an appropriate care plan. This step is fundamental in client prioritization as it provides a clear picture of each client's needs.

• Collect Data: Nurses gather information about the patient's symptoms, medical history, current medications, and personal lifestyle. This comprehensive data aids in understanding the patient’s immediate requirements and potential complications.
• Analyze and Interpret: Once data is collected, it must be analyzed to identify any patterns or significant changes from a patient’s normal state. This can help identify urgent needs like acute pain or signs of deterioration.
• Document and Plan: Documentation of the assessment is critical in formulating a care plan, allowing accurate tracking of changes in the patient's condition and modifying the treatment plan as needed.

Through a thorough nursing assessment, nurses can determine the best course of treatment and prioritize patient care effectively.

Acute Pain Management

Acute pain management is about providing quick and efficient relief to patients experiencing severe discomfort due to conditions such as fractures, post-operative states, or inflammatory diseases. Getting this right is crucial in client prioritization, as managing pain not only alleviates suffering but can prevent further complications.

• Pain Evaluation: Nurses must understand the type of pain a patient is experiencing—whether it’s sharp, dull, chronic, or acute—and assess its severity and duration.
• Medication Administration: Depending on the pain level, appropriate analgesics are administered. This could range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild cases to opioids for severe pain management.
• Non-Pharmacological Methods: Complementary methods such as ice packs, immobilization techniques, or relaxation exercises can aid in alleviating pain without medications.

Effective acute pain management not only provides immediate relief but also supports the overall recovery process, making it a priority in the nursing care plan.