Two days after a cholecystectomy the client is kept comfortable with oral NSAIDs. The client's spouse asks the nurse why the client is not receiving something stronger, saying, "I know the procedure causes a lot of pain because I also had my gallbladder removed." The nurse's answer is based on the fact that
A) oral medications are always the preferred route for pain medication.
B) strong analgesics interfere with client assessment.
C) the client should be switched to mild pain medication as quickly as possible.
D) the client's perception of the relief of pain is the best standard of pain relief.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because people perceive and interpret pain based on their own individual experience, pain is different for each person. Each client should be considered the expert on his or her pain.

Two Days After a Cholecystectomy the Client Is Kept Comfortable