Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is an appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing discomfort after surgery?

1. Check the surgical dressing

2. Encourage deep breathing exercises

3. Medicate for pain based on the patient’s request

4. Monitor vital signs regularly

The correct answer is: Medicate for pain based on the patient’s request

An appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing discomfort after surgery is to medicate for pain based on the patient’s request. This approach acknowledges the patient’s verbalization of their pain, which is a critical aspect of managing postoperative care. Patients who have undergone surgery often experience varying levels of pain, and addressing this discomfort promptly can contribute significantly to their overall recovery and satisfaction with the care they are receiving. Administering pain medication based on the patient’s assessment of their pain not only helps alleviate discomfort but also promotes engagement in the recovery process. It empowers the patient to take an active role in their pain management, which can lead to better adherence to postoperative care and improved outcomes. While monitoring vital signs, checking the surgical dressing, and encouraging deep breathing exercises are all important components of postoperative care, they do not directly address the patient’s immediate experience of discomfort as effectively as providing pain medication does. Focusing on pain relief first helps the patient to relax and may also facilitate participation in the other interventions, as pain can hinder a patient's ability to engage in deep breathing exercises or comply with physical assessments.