Fundamentals of Nursing Q 236
Mr. Lim, who has chronic pain, loss of self-esteem, no job, and bodily disfigurement from severe burns over the trunk and arms, is admitted to a pain center. Which evaluation criteria would indicate the client’s successful rehabilitation?
A. The client remains free of the aftermath phase of the pain experience.
B. The client experiences decreased frequency of acute pain episodes.
C. The client continues normal growth and development with intact support systems.
D. The client develops increased tolerance for severe pain in the future.
Correct Answer: C. The client continues normal growth and development with intact support systems.
Even though the client may experience an aftermath phase, progress is still possible, as is effective rehabilitation. Give positive reinforcement of progress and encourage endeavors toward the attainment of rehabilitation goals. Words of encouragement can support the development of positive coping behaviors.
Option A: Aftermath reactions may occur but need not interfere with rehabilitation. Encourage family interaction with each other and with the rehabilitation team. To open lines of communication and provide ongoing support for the patient and family.
Option B: Acute pain is not expected at this stage of recovery. Pain is nearly always present to some degree because of varying severity of tissue involvement and destruction but is usually most severe during dressing changes and debridement.
Option D: Conditioning probably would produce less pain tolerance. Exercise is generally considered to be a safe and efficacious approach to restoring physiological function in patients with various chronic diseases. However, the inclusion of exercise regimens in the outpatient rehabilitation of patients who have undergone major trauma, such as a large burn, is not common.