Fundamentals of Nursing Q 375
Family members are encouraging your client to “tough it out” rather than run the risk of becoming addicted to narcotics. The client is stoically abiding by the family’s wishes. Priority nursing interventions for this client should target which dimension of pain?
A. Sensory
B. Sociocultural
C. Behavioral
D. Cognitive
Correct Answer: B. Sociocultural
The family is part of the socio-cultural dimension of pain. They are influencing the client and should be included in the teaching sessions about the appropriate use of narcotics and about the adverse effects of pain on the healing process. The other dimensions should be included to help the client/family understand the overall treatment plan and pain mechanism.
Option A: The sensory dimension encompasses both the quality and severity of pain. It includes the patient’s report of the location, quality, and intensity of pain. Assessing this dimension helps quantify the pain and clarify the extent of poorly localized or radiating pain.
Option C: The behavioral dimension of pain refers to the patient’s verbal or nonverbal behaviors exhibited in response to pain. To assess it, rely on direct observation and continued patient interaction. Watch for common behaviors associated with pain, such as guarding, splinting, tensing up, crying, moaning, and massaging a specific body part.
Option D: The cognitive dimension refers to thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and motivations related to pain and its management. Before assessing this dimension, evaluate the patient’s cognitive capacity and functioning. Review the medical history for diseases or conditions that may impair cognition; if any exists, assess its current level of progression. In some patients, pain can temporarily worsen pre-existing cognitive limitations.