Question

A patient has had arthritic pain in her hips for several years since a hip fracture. She is able to move around in her room and has not offered any complaints so far this morning. However, when asked, she states that her pain is "bad this morning" and rates it at an 8 on a 1-to-10 scale. What does the nurse suspect? The patient:
a. Is addicted to her pain medications and cannot obtain pain relief.
b. Does not want to trouble the nursing staff with her complaints.
c. Is not in pain but rates it high to receive pain medication.
d. Has experienced chronic pain for years and has adapted to it.

Answer

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