A client calls the nurse to report exacerbation of chronic lower back pain after working in the yard all weekend. Knowing that this worsened back pain is probably due to acute inflammation, the nurse recommends which nonpharmacologic intervention?
A)Heating pad
B)Positioning for comfort
C)Rest from pain-aggravating activities
D)Stretching exercises

Question

A client calls the nurse to report exacerbation of chronic lower back pain after working in the yard all weekend.  Knowing that this worsened back pain is probably due to acute inflammation, the nurse recommends which nonpharmacologic intervention?
A)Heating pad
B)Positioning for comfort
C)Rest from pain-aggravating activities
D)Stretching exercises

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acute exacerbation of chronic back pain is usually associated with inflammation triggered by (strenuous and/or repetitive) activities that stress the previously injured area. Interventions should be directed toward reducing inflammation. Nonpharmacologic intervention to treat the inflammation includes rest from pain-aggravating activities which may continue to promote inflammation and delay healing. (Option A) Applying heat to the injured area can promote the inflammatory process (via vasodilation); therefore, this is not the best intervention at this time. However, after the acute inflammation has resolved (usually within a few days) heat application would be appropriate to reduce pain and muscle spasms. (Option B) Although the nurse should teach the client to ensure positioning for comfort to reduce pain, this is less likely to impact the inflammatory processes causing the pain. (Option D) Stretching exercises can also be helpful for back pain but should begin after the acute pain and inflammation have subsided. Educational objective: Rest from activities that aggravate pain and inflammation is a nonpharmacologic comfort intervention to decrease the inflammation due to acute pain.

A Client Calls the Nurse to Report Exacerbation of Chronic