NUR 2349 / NUR2349 Exam 2 Review
Professional Nursing I / PN 1
1. The most accurate information concerning a client’s pain comes from the
nurse’s assessment or the client? Information from the client
Is objective or subjective data more important? Subjective
When objective and subjective data about a client’s pain are in conflict, which report
should the nurse consider as the primary source? Pain is always subjective “subject
says”.
2. When administering pain medication, is it the most appropriate to administer the
minimum dose and reevaluate the client’s pain after 30 minutes or administer the
highest pain medication dosage to ensure the client’s pain is relieved? If BP is
slow, start low. If patient comes out of surgery and pain is an 8 pushing the max
dose is at the nurses discretion.
3. What physiological changes can occur when a client is in acute pain?
- BP, Resp Rate, Pulse
- Dilated Pupils
- Perspiration (Diaphoresis/sweating)
- Pallor (pale skin)
How can a nurse assess a non-verbal client for pain? Wong Baker Face Scale, or
non-verbal cues (grimacing, rolling on bed, fetal position).
What is the difference between pain quality and
intensity? Quality = Type (sharp, dull, stabbing,
numb)
Intensity = How bad it hurts (scale of 1-10)
4. What are the signs of a client in chronic pain?
- Lasts over 6 months
- Persistent
- Constant/recurrent
- Produces negative changes in life (withdrawn, frail)
- Body adapts (moves slowly to avoid movement of painful areas)
- Needs reg assessment & diff approach to treatment
5. What is the gate control theory? Things other than medications can help relief pain
(communication ie. Saying someone will be okay and rubbing their backs, therapy,
1
, acupuncture)
6. Review hypertension stepped-care approach, food with elevated sodium levels,
know which ethnic group tends to develop hypertension earlier in life. African
Americans are higher risk, change in lifestyle & diet first, then diuretics (which
eliminate water from the body by passing urine more frequently).
7. Review the difference between primary (essential) hypertension and secondary
hypertension.
- Primary Hypertension: More common, is the in BP due to unknown causes
- Secondary Hypertension: Rarer, renal or endocrine disease process
that results in BP Which type is rarer? Secondary
8. What mm/hg is normal for blood pressure? 120/80
What are palpitations? Heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, skipping a beat
often, bothersome but rarely a sign of heart attack.
What is the “fifth” vital sign?
- Body temperature
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Blood Pressure
- Pain
9. Review the Joint Commissions standards related to pain management. Each
client’s pain must be treated individually due to different interpretations of
pain and different goals of pain relief.
Do previous experiences, cultures, age, poverty level, or educational level affect a
client’s pain experience? (Which ones do not?) Education level & poverty level do
not.
10. Do older clients fear being labeled as “complainers” and avoid requesting
medications?
They often live with the pain in fear of being labeled as a complainer or a
bother, nurse should encourage to request pain relief when needed.
2
Professional Nursing I / PN 1
1. The most accurate information concerning a client’s pain comes from the
nurse’s assessment or the client? Information from the client
Is objective or subjective data more important? Subjective
When objective and subjective data about a client’s pain are in conflict, which report
should the nurse consider as the primary source? Pain is always subjective “subject
says”.
2. When administering pain medication, is it the most appropriate to administer the
minimum dose and reevaluate the client’s pain after 30 minutes or administer the
highest pain medication dosage to ensure the client’s pain is relieved? If BP is
slow, start low. If patient comes out of surgery and pain is an 8 pushing the max
dose is at the nurses discretion.
3. What physiological changes can occur when a client is in acute pain?
- BP, Resp Rate, Pulse
- Dilated Pupils
- Perspiration (Diaphoresis/sweating)
- Pallor (pale skin)
How can a nurse assess a non-verbal client for pain? Wong Baker Face Scale, or
non-verbal cues (grimacing, rolling on bed, fetal position).
What is the difference between pain quality and
intensity? Quality = Type (sharp, dull, stabbing,
numb)
Intensity = How bad it hurts (scale of 1-10)
4. What are the signs of a client in chronic pain?
- Lasts over 6 months
- Persistent
- Constant/recurrent
- Produces negative changes in life (withdrawn, frail)
- Body adapts (moves slowly to avoid movement of painful areas)
- Needs reg assessment & diff approach to treatment
5. What is the gate control theory? Things other than medications can help relief pain
(communication ie. Saying someone will be okay and rubbing their backs, therapy,
1
, acupuncture)
6. Review hypertension stepped-care approach, food with elevated sodium levels,
know which ethnic group tends to develop hypertension earlier in life. African
Americans are higher risk, change in lifestyle & diet first, then diuretics (which
eliminate water from the body by passing urine more frequently).
7. Review the difference between primary (essential) hypertension and secondary
hypertension.
- Primary Hypertension: More common, is the in BP due to unknown causes
- Secondary Hypertension: Rarer, renal or endocrine disease process
that results in BP Which type is rarer? Secondary
8. What mm/hg is normal for blood pressure? 120/80
What are palpitations? Heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, skipping a beat
often, bothersome but rarely a sign of heart attack.
What is the “fifth” vital sign?
- Body temperature
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Blood Pressure
- Pain
9. Review the Joint Commissions standards related to pain management. Each
client’s pain must be treated individually due to different interpretations of
pain and different goals of pain relief.
Do previous experiences, cultures, age, poverty level, or educational level affect a
client’s pain experience? (Which ones do not?) Education level & poverty level do
not.
10. Do older clients fear being labeled as “complainers” and avoid requesting
medications?
They often live with the pain in fear of being labeled as a complainer or a
bother, nurse should encourage to request pain relief when needed.
2
