A nurse reviews a postoperative comfort plan. Classify each intervention according to how it should appear in the plan.
Matrix
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Incision splinting and relaxation breathing can be used as written alongside prescribed analgesia. Repositioning and cold therapy can be helpful only after activity restrictions, skin integrity, sensation, timing, and orders are considered. Continuous direct ice can injure tissue, and nonpharmacologic methods should not replace indicated analgesia for moderate pain. Reassessment of comfort and function remains part of the overall plan.
Correct Answer Rows 1 and 2 can be used as written, rows 3 and 4 require tailoring or clarification, and rows 5 and 6 must be removed or replaced.
Why It Fits Comfort measures are safest when they complement analgesia and respect the surgical plan, tissue protection, and the client's current response.
Clinical Picture Some interventions are low-risk and immediately usable; others depend on restrictions or skin and sensory assessment; unsafe applications and false either-or plans require revision.
Memory Link Add comfort, tailor conditions, never trade safety or needed analgesia for a shortcut.
NCLEX Rule Use nonpharmacologic care as part of multimodal pain management and reassess both pain and function after intervention.
Why the Alternatives Fail Direct continuous ice risks injury, while withholding prescribed analgesia treats supportive care as a replacement. Unqualified repositioning or cold therapy ignores client-specific restrictions.
Sources
1Joint Commission Pain Management Goal
22026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
The client is 8 hours after open abdominal surgery, alert and stable, with pain rated 6 of 10 during movement. Multimodal analgesia and activity restrictions are prescribed.
Multimodal pain management — An individualized plan that combines appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies rather than relying on one method alone.
Incision splinting — Supporting an abdominal or thoracic incision with a pillow during coughing, deep breathing, or repositioning to reduce discomfort while protecting the operative area.
Pain reassessment — Evaluation after an intervention that includes pain intensity, functional ability, treatment benefit, and adverse effects.