Page 305 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

dementia, a comatose client) may not be able to
describe their pain experiences.
6. The nurse should be alert to nonverbal indicators of
pain (Box 10-4).
7. Ask the client to use a number-based pain scale (a
picture-based scale may be used in children or clients
who cannot verbally describe their pain) to rate the
degree of pain (Fig. 10-1).
8. Evaluate client response to nonpharmacological
interventions.

Consider the client’s culture and spiritual and religious beliefs

in assessing pain; some cultures frown on the outward expression of
pain.
C. Conventional nonpharmacological interventions
1. Cutaneous stimulation
a. Techniques include heat, cold, and
pressure and vibration. Therapeutic
touch and massage are also cutaneous
stimulation and may be considered
complementary and alternative
techniques.
b. Such treatments may require a PHCP’s
prescription.
2. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
a. TENS is also referred to as percutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (PENS).
b. This technique, which may require a
PHCP’s prescription, involves the
application of a battery-operated
device that delivers a low electrical
current to the skin and underlying
tissues to block pain (some similar
units can be purchased without a
prescription).
3. Binders, slings, and other supportive devices
a. Cloths or other materials or devices,
wrapped around a limb or body part,
can ease the pain of strains, sprains,
and surgical incisions.
b. Some devices may require a PHCP’s
prescription.
c. Elevation of the affected body part is
another intervention that can reduce
swelling; supporting an extremity on a
pillow may lessen discomfort.
4. Heat and cold

305