Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What is the most important question for the nurse to ask Mr. Palmer when he reports chest pain postoperatively?

1. "Have you ever had this type of chest pain before?"

2. "How long have you had this pain?"

3. "What pain medication do you usually take?"

4. "What activities were you doing when the pain started?"

The correct answer is: "Have you ever had this type of chest pain before?"

In evaluating a patient who reports chest pain postoperatively, it is crucial for the nurse to establish the context and history of the pain. Asking if Mr. Palmer has ever experienced this type of chest pain before allows the nurse to assess whether this is an acute event related to the recent surgery or a recurrent issue linked to a potential underlying cardiovascular condition. If Mr. Palmer has a history of similar pain, this could indicate a chronic problem, such as angina or other cardiac issues, which would require immediate attention and further investigation. Understanding the pattern of the pain—whether it's new or has occurred previously—helps the nurse to prioritize the assessment and interventions appropriately, especially in the postoperative setting where several complications could manifest as chest pain, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or other cardiac complications. The other options, while relevant, focus on different aspects of the pain assessment. Knowing the duration, the usual pain medication, or activities at the onset of pain can provide supporting information, but establishing whether this is a new or recurring issue is fundamental in determining the urgency and potential seriousness of Mr. Palmer's condition.