After a patient’s open-heart surgery, what is the nurse's first priority if the patient reports leg pain?

After a patient’s open-heart surgery, what is the nurse's first priority if the patient reports leg pain?

• A. Replace the IV bag with a new one
• B. Instruct the patient about complications
• C. Administer an analgesic
• D. Verify the pharmacy order

Answer: (C)

When a patient reports leg pain after open-heart surgery, the nurse's first priority is to provide pain relief, which is why administering an analgesic is the most appropriate response. Pain can indicate various issues, and immediate action to help alleviate the patient's discomfort allows for a better assessment of their overall condition. Addressing the pain also helps in promoting the patient's comfort and can facilitate their recovery. In this scenario, it is important to act promptly, as unrelieved pain may lead to complications such as increased stress on the heart or delayed mobility, which is crucial post-surgery. The nurse's role is to monitor the patient’s responses closely and administer medications as needed to manage both pain and any potential anxiety. While replacing an IV bag, instructing about complications, or verifying pharmacy orders are important nursing responsibilities, these actions are not immediate responses to the patient's acute report of pain. The focus must remain on alleviating the patient's suffering before addressing other concerns.

When a patient reports leg pain after open-heart surgery, the nurse's first priority is to provide pain relief, which is why administering an analgesic is the most appropriate response. Pain can indicate various issues, and immediate action to help alleviate the patient's discomfort allows for a better assessment of their overall condition. Addressing the pain also helps in promoting the patient's comfort and can facilitate their recovery.

In this scenario, it is important to act promptly, as unrelieved pain may lead to complications such as increased stress on the heart or delayed mobility, which is crucial post-surgery. The nurse's role is to monitor the patient’s responses closely and administer medications as needed to manage both pain and any potential anxiety.

While replacing an IV bag, instructing about complications, or verifying pharmacy orders are important nursing responsibilities, these actions are not immediate responses to the patient's acute report of pain. The focus must remain on alleviating the patient's suffering before addressing other concerns.