Question:
You will be asked to reflect on your previous clinical experiences as part of the interview process.
This assessment task requires students to answer one of these interview questions:
How did your training prepare you for a career in nursing?
What can you do to help your patients?
How would you treat a patient who is constantly complaining of pain?
Answer to Question: NRSG367 Transition To Professional Nursing
How to Handle a Patient who Constantly Complains about Pain
I will listen to a patient who is constantly complaining about pain and be understanding. This will help them feel more at ease.
It is important to listen and determine what the problem is.
I would listen carefully to the patient’s descriptions of the pain, and then observe for any symptoms.
It is possible that the patient’s environment is causing them discomfort.
Therefore, I will make sure that the patient’s environment is safe and comfortable.
Once I had determined the root cause of the pain and the reasons for the patient’s persistent pain, I would use the appropriate measures.
If the patient can manage the pain, I would administer the right procedure.
As a nurse, one should not attempt to manage the situation alone (Lachman Swanson and Brown, 2015).
If a patient complains of pain due to a broken arm, I will check their position on the bed and correct any problems. Then, I will ask them if they feel relief from the new position or if they still feel pain.
I can also consult with the patient about whether they have been prescribed pain medications.
If the patient’s pain is not under my control, I would make sure they were provided with the assistance they need.
I would then consult the attending physician to make sure that the patient’s pain was being treated (Reader Gillespie & Roberts 2014.
I met a patient with minor bruises after a car accident.
I listened and determined how she felt and where it was located (Croicu.Chwastiak & Katon (2014)).
I checked her medical charts to determine whether she had been treated for any injuries or fractures.
I was able find out that she did not have any internal injuries, but that she had suffered a serious injury to her shoulder.
I assured her that the pain would be treated and she felt better.
The patient was relieved when I went to see the attending doctor, who examined the bruise.
The patient received medication for her pain and was properly dressed.
Also, make sure to examine the patient and determine if any of the actions taken were beneficial (Reader Gillespie, Roberts 2014).
The patient’s pain was not only my concern, but also my patience.
It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure comfort and proper treatment for their patients.
It is their responsibility to pay close attention to patients and resolve any issues that might cause them discomfort.
The nurse’s code requires them to respect human rights such as the right of life, dignity, respect, and privacy (Brown. Lachman. & Swanson. 2015).
Respectfully listening to a patient who is complaining of pain is my role. I must also treat them with dignity. This is crucial for improving their clinical recovery.
Their pain can be treated in accordance with their human rights. It could save their lives (Howarth Tiernan Gillespie, Carstens, 2015).
I have concluded that I have assessed the environment of the patient to make sure that it is appropriate for them and doesn’t exacerbate their condition.
This is how I plan to apply these aspects to my future nursing assignments.
To be able to help a patient, I must show patience as well as compassion.
When caring for patients in pain, patience and compassion are important qualities. Nurses must not be easily frustrated.
Patient in pain can become anxious and become disoriented. I intend to help them feel safe and supported.
Also, I believe it is vital to discuss any medication with the attending doctor.
This will ensure that pain management is done in the most effective way for the patient.References:Croicu, C., Chwastiak, L., & Katon, W. (2014).
Approach to patients with multiple somatic symptoms.
Medical Clinics of North America 98(5): 1079-1095.Friele, R. D., Reitsma, P. M., & Jong, J. D. (2015).
Results of a survey on complaints handling in health care.
BMC research note, 8(1). 529.Howarth, G., Tiernan, J., Gillespie, G., & Carstens, P. (2015).
A solid complaints system.
SAMJ South African Medical Journal, (105(6)), 425-426.Lachman, V. D., Swanson, E. O., & Winland-Brown, J. (2015).
Practical clinical application of part II of The New ‘Code of Ethics for nurses with Interpretive statements’ (2015).
Medsurg Nurs. 24(5), 363-366.Reader, T. W., Gillespie, A., & Roberts, J. (2014).
(2014).
BMJ Qual Saf. 23(8), 678-689.Winland-Brown, J., Lachman, V. D., & Swanson, E. O. C. (2015).
The new code ethics for nurses includes interpretive statements.
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