A 58-year-old Pakistani patient with colon cancer complains of severe pain. He refuses all pain medication. What should the nurse do next?

Explanation

•Pain beliefs can differ significantly between cultures. The nurse should assess the situation with the patient and determine the reason for his refusal of pain medication. The nurse should ensure that if he chooses no medication, that it is due to his personal choice and that his options were explained fully.

Incorrect options:

•Documentation and notifying the physician after the assessment. If no medication is given for his pain, thorough documentation is needed with an explanation that teaching was given and medication was refused.

•Notifying the patient's family would breach the patient's confidentiality.

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