Pain Management Nursing Practice Exam

What approach is considered best practice for postoperative pain management?

1. Multimodal strategies

2. Standing orders by protocol

3. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

4. Opioid dosage based on valid numerical scale

The correct answer is: Opioid dosage based on valid numerical scale

The best practice for postoperative pain management is best described by multimodal strategies. This approach involves utilizing a combination of different classes of medications and therapies to manage pain, thereby targeting multiple pain pathways. By integrating various analgesic agents—such as opioids, non-opioid pain relievers, and adjuvant medications—alongside non-pharmacological methods such as physical therapy or cognitive-behavioral techniques, multimodal strategies can enhance pain relief while minimizing potential side effects associated with high doses of single agents, particularly opioids. This approach is recognized for its efficacy in improving patient outcomes, including better overall pain control, reduced opioid consumption, and fewer adverse effects. It allows for a more comprehensive management plan tailored to the individual needs of patients, promoting quicker recovery and higher satisfaction rates post-surgery. While intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides effective pain relief through self-administration of opioids, relying solely on this option does not capitalize on the benefits of combining therapies. Standing orders by protocol may allow for consistent pain management, but they lack the personalized approach that multimodal strategies offer. Relying solely on opioid dosage based on a numerical scale does not encompass the breadth of options available for effective pain management and could lead to