Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

Which clients can be appropriately assigned to a newly graduated RN who has recently completed orientation?

1. Anxious client with chronic pain

2. Client on the second postoperative day needing pain medication

3. Client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome reporting pain

4. Client with a kidney stone needing frequent PRN medication

The correct answer is: Client on the second postoperative day needing pain medication

Assigning a newly graduated RN who has recently completed orientation to care for a client on the second postoperative day needing pain medication is a suitable choice for several important reasons. Firstly, postoperative clients are generally considered to be within the scope of practice for newly graduated RNs. They are generally stable and their care primarily revolves around routine assessments, medication administration, and observing for any postoperative complications. The RN's knowledge acquired during training equips them to manage pain effectively in this context, including the administration of analgesics and monitoring the client's response to treatment. In this situation, the RN can follow the established protocols for pain management, which typically involve assessments using pain scales and providing analgesia based on the client's reported pain severity while ensuring safety and effectiveness of medication schedules. Additionally, the management of postoperative pain often involves straightforward techniques and criteria which new graduates are prepared to handle. The other clients present more complex needs or situations that may exceed the expected competencies of a newly graduated RN. For instance, the anxious client with chronic pain may require more nuanced psychological support and education, which could challenge a new nurse's ability to effectively engage and provide comprehensive care. The client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) reporting pain may also require specialized knowledge about the complexities of managing pain