LPN Pain Management and Comfort Measures Flashcards
6 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 LPN Pain Management and Comfort Measures flashcards as text
Which assessment finding best indicates that a patient's pain medication has been effective?
Answer: The patient reports pain decreased from 8/10 to 2/10 and is able to rest
Effective pain management is indicated by a significant decrease in self-reported pain intensity along with improved function and rest.
A patient cannot swallow oral medications due to dysphagia. Which alternative route is most appropriate for analgesic delivery?
Answer: Rectal suppository or IV route per order
When a patient cannot take oral medications due to dysphagia, alternative routes such as rectal suppository, IV, or transdermal delivery may be ordered depending on the medication.
Breakthrough pain medication should be administered in which manner?
Answer: As needed (PRN) when the patient reports pain between scheduled doses
Breakthrough pain medications are PRN orders given when a patient experiences pain between scheduled doses, based on the patient's self-report.
In the PQRST pain assessment acronym, what does the letter 'Q' represent?
Answer: Quality — description of the pain character such as sharp, burning, or dull
In PQRST, Q stands for Quality, which describes the nature or character of the pain (e.g., sharp, throbbing, burning, aching).
A patient taking NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) long-term should be monitored for which complication?
Answer: Gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment
Long-term NSAID use inhibits prostaglandins that protect the gastric mucosa and maintain renal perfusion, leading to GI bleeding and kidney damage.
A nurse applies a cold pack to a patient's swollen ankle after a sprain. What is the primary therapeutic purpose?
Answer: Reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain through vasoconstriction
Cold therapy causes vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow to the injured area, limiting swelling, inflammation, and pain in the acute phase of injury.