What intervention will the nurse implement to reduce a client’s pain after a burn injury?
A. Administering morphine 4 mg intravenously.
B. Administering hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 4 mg intramuscularly.
C. Applying ice to the burned area
D. Avoiding tactile stimulation
Correct Answer: A. Administering morphine 4 mg intravenously.
Drug therapy for pain management requires opioid and nonopioid analgesics. The burned patient may require around-the-clock medication and dose titration. IV method is often used initially to maximize drug effect.
Option B: The IV route is used because of problems with absorption from the muscle and stomach. Concerns of patient addiction or doubts regarding the degree of pain experienced are not valid during the emergent/acute phase of care, but narcotics should be decreased as soon as feasible and alternative methods for pain relief initiated.
Option C: For the client to avoid shivering, the room must be kept warm and heat should be applied. Maintain comfortable environmental temperature, provide heat lamps, heat-retaining body coverings. Temperature regulation may be lost with major burns. External heat sources may be necessary to prevent chilling.
Option D: Tactile stimulation can be used for pain management. Provide basic comfort measures: massage of uninjured areas, frequent position changes. This promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension and general fatigue.
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