LPN LPN Pain Management and Comfort Measures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pain assessment scale is most appropriate for a non-verbal adult patient who cannot self-report?
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
- Wong-Baker FACES Scale
- PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) (Correct answer)
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Correct answer: PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia)
The PAINAD scale assesses pain in non-verbal adults by observing behavioral indicators such as breathing, vocalization, and body language.
Question 2: A patient reports pain rated 8/10 on the numeric scale. What is the LPN's priority action?
- Document the pain rating in the chart
- Notify the charge nurse or supervising RN
- Administer a PRN analgesic if ordered (Correct answer)
- Reposition the patient for comfort
Correct answer: Administer a PRN analgesic if ordered
When a PRN analgesic is ordered, administering it is the priority intervention for a pain rating of 8/10 before escalating further.
Question 3: Which non-pharmacological intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing mild musculoskeletal pain?
- Administering IV morphine
- Applying a warm compress to the affected area (Correct answer)
- Increasing IV fluid rate
- Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: Applying a warm compress to the affected area
Warm compresses promote muscle relaxation and increase circulation, making them an appropriate non-pharmacological comfort measure for mild musculoskeletal pain.
Question 4: A patient on opioid analgesics must be monitored closely for which life-threatening complication?
- Hypertension
- Respiratory depression (Correct answer)
- Hyperglycemia
- Tachycardia
Correct answer: Respiratory depression
Opioids suppress the central nervous system and can cause respiratory depression, which is the most dangerous and potentially fatal side effect.
Question 5: A patient is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which action is within the LPN's scope of practice?
- Programming the PCA pump settings
- Monitoring the patient's pain level and respiratory status (Correct answer)
- Changing the opioid cartridge independently
- Adjusting the lockout interval
Correct answer: Monitoring the patient's pain level and respiratory status
The LPN monitors the patient's response to PCA therapy including pain levels, sedation, and respiratory status, reporting changes to the RN.
Question 6: Which position is recommended to relieve lower back pain for a patient on bed rest?
- Prone with arms extended overhead
- Supine with legs fully extended
- Semi-Fowler's with knees slightly elevated (Correct answer)
- High Fowler's with legs dependent
Correct answer: Semi-Fowler's with knees slightly elevated
Semi-Fowler's position with knees slightly elevated reduces lumbar spine tension and is the most comfortable position for lower back pain relief.
LPN LPN Pain Management and Comfort Measures 1
Which pain assessment scale is most appropriate for a non-verbal adult patient who cannot self-report?