Question

A teenage client is undergoing a dressing change to burns on the thigh. The client refuses pain medication and states, "I do not hurt, and I don't need it." He is withdrawn, grimaces, and turns away during the dressing change. He was last medicated 8 hours ago. What is the best statement by the nurse?

Answer 1

The following is missing for the question to be complete:

a) "You are so brave to not take your pain medication when the dressing change will hurt."

b) "If you need pain relief, I can give you some medication when I have completed the dressing change."

c) "Please explain why you say you do not hurt when I see you grimacing during the dressing change."

d) "You are so right to not take your pain medication. You can become dependent on the medication."

Answer:    Please explain why you say you do not hurt when I see you grimacing during the dressing change

Explanation:  From the above it is clear that the teenager feels pain during the dressing change, as it can be seen from the grimacing, the withdrawal during the dressing change as it obviously that burns hurt. Although the teenager claims that he is not in pain and does not need painkillers, that is not true, and his sister's statement is in place. It is better to take a painkiller because it is not good to suffer pain, it is not so important whether it is brave if it causes harm and if it is generally not good. One cannot become addicted to medication if it only lasts until the burn heals.