Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

If a patient reports severe incisional pain and displays signs of anxiety post-spinal anesthesia, what is the most appropriate intervention?

1. Medicate the patient for pain

2. Place the patient in a high Fowler position and administer oxygen

3. Place the patient in a reverse Trendelenburg position and open the IV line

4. Report the findings to the provider

The correct answer is: Medicate the patient for pain

The most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe incisional pain and signs of anxiety following spinal anesthesia is to medicate the patient for pain. Pain management is crucial in this scenario as the patient's reported pain can significantly hinder their recovery process and contribute to further anxiety. Immediate intervention with appropriate analgesics can help alleviate the physical discomfort, thereby reducing anxiety levels that often accompany significant pain. Addressing the pain not only fosters a sense of comfort but also promotes better overall outcomes, including the ability to participate in early mobilization and rehabilitation. While other interventions may be necessary in specific contexts, managing the patient's pain takes precedence in this situation. For instance, positioning the patient or administering oxygen might be relevant if there were signs of compromised respiratory function or hemodynamic instability, but the primary concern here is the management of acute pain following surgery.