NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

What is the best response by the nurse to a client who prefers intravenous pain medication over oral pain medication 3 days after surgery?

1. Pills are more effective than intravenous meds

2. Pills are safer than intravenous meds

3. We are going to take your intravenous line out

4. You could not medicate yourself intravenously at home

The correct answer is: Pills are safer than intravenous meds

Option B is the best response because it highlights the safety aspect of using oral pain medication compared to intravenous medication. Intravenous pain medication poses a higher risk of complications such as infection and the potential for errors in administering the medication, whereas oral pain medication is generally considered safer and easier to manage, especially when the client is planning to continue pain management at home. It is essential for the nurse to educate the client on the benefits and safety of transitioning from intravenous to oral pain medication post-surgery. Options A, C, and D are not the best responses in this situation as they do not directly address the safety concern associated with intravenous pain medication compared to oral pain medication. Option A focuses on effectiveness rather than safety, option C addresses the removal of the intravenous line rather than addressing the client's preference, and option D does not address the safety aspect of the medications but rather focuses on the logistics of self-medication at home.