Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

When treating a patient with a headache rated 7 on a pain scale, what nonpharmacological intervention should the nurse implement?

1. Reassures the patient that the provider will come to the emergency department soon.

2. Softly plays music that the patient finds relaxing.

3. Frequently reassesses the patient's pain scores.

4. Teaches the patient how to do yoga.

The correct answer is: Softly plays music that the patient finds relaxing.

In the context of managing a patient with a moderately severe headache rated 7 on a pain scale, the implementation of a nonpharmacological intervention such as playing soft, relaxing music can be particularly beneficial. This approach is grounded in the understanding that music has the potential to distract from pain, reduce anxiety, and create a calming environment, which may help alleviate the patient's discomfort. Relaxation techniques, including listening to soothing music, can activate the body's relaxation response, which may lead to a decrease in pain perception. Music therapy has been shown in various studies to enhance the overall experience of pain management and improve comfort levels for patients dealing with acute pain episodes. While other options may also contribute to patient care, they do not directly address the immediate need for nonpharmacological pain relief. For instance, reassuring the patient about the provider's arrival may offer emotional support, but it does not actively relieve headache pain. Regularly reassessing pain scores is essential for monitoring effectiveness but is more of a procedural task rather than an intervention aimed at pain relief. Teaching yoga, while beneficial in the long term and useful for stress relief, may not be immediately practical or effective for a patient currently experiencing a severe headache.