Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What should a nurse do if a patient reports pain at a level of 5 to 6 after being prescribed ibuprofen?

1. Collaborate with the physician regarding pain management

2. Instruct the patient to take the medication as prescribed

3. Encourage the patient to try alternative therapies

4. Advise the patient that their pain level is not serious

The correct answer is: Collaborate with the physician regarding pain management

When a patient reports a pain level of 5 to 6, it indicates a moderate level of discomfort that may warrant further intervention beyond what has been prescribed. Collaborating with the physician regarding pain management is appropriate because effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort and recovery. This collaboration ensures that the patient's pain is taken seriously and assessed properly, which might include adjusting the current medication regime, prescribing additional medications, or implementing other interventions as needed. Pain that persists at this level despite the use of ibuprofen suggests that the current pain management strategy might not be sufficient. Engaging with the physician allows for a reassessment of the patient's condition, considering factors such as the possibility of different types of pain, the effectiveness of the current medication, and any contraindications or potential side effects of higher dosages or alternative medications. While instructing the patient to take the medication as prescribed is important, merely following the prescription may not address the patient's ongoing pain effectively. Encouraging alternative therapies can be beneficial but may not be the first step in addressing a moderate pain level. Advising the patient that their pain is not serious can undermine their experience and may discourage them from expressing their needs, which is not conducive to effective nursing care. Therefore, collaboration with the physician is the