A patient recovering from a leg fracture after a fall reports having dull pain in the affected leg and rates it as a 7 on a 0 to 10 scale. The patient is not able to walk around in the room with crutches because of leg discomfort. Which nursing intervention is priority?
A) Assist the patient to walk in the room with crutches.
B) Obtain a walker for the patient.
C) Consult physical therapy.
D) Administer pain medication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's pain is a 7, indicating the priority is pain relief (administer pain medication). Acute pain is the priority because the nurse can address the problem of immobility after the patient receives adequate pain relief. Assisting the patient to walk or obtaining a walker will not address the pain the patient is experiencing.

A Patient Recovering from a Leg Fracture After a Fall