Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

When a patient requests more pain medication due to persistent pain after the initial dose, what is the nurse's first action?

1. Tell the patient to wait 4 hours

2. Give half of the ordered dose

3. Document the pain

4. Notify the practitioner

The correct answer is: Notify the practitioner

When a patient requests more pain medication due to persistent pain after the initial dose, the nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner. This is important because the nurse should not adjust the medication dosage or administration without consulting the healthcare provider. Notification allows the practitioner to assess the patient's condition, reevaluate the pain management plan, and make any necessary adjustments to provide adequate pain relief. It is crucial for patient safety and effective pain management that the healthcare team works together to address the patient's needs promptly and appropriately. Option A is not the correct first action because telling the patient to wait 4 hours may lead to increased discomfort and inadequate pain control. Option B is not the correct first action because altering the ordered dose without consulting the practitioner can compromise the patient's safety and may not address the underlying cause of the persistent pain. Option C is not the correct first action because while documenting the pain is important for the patient's medical record, it does not address the immediate need for appropriate pain relief that the practitioner's intervention can provide.