The nurse is caring for a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The nurse knows the best way to manage pain is to:
Explanation
•Administering pain medication on a routine or scheduled basis is superior to a PRN or as needed basis.
•As needed medication administration often leaves pain undertreated.
•Never administer pain medication to a patient without their knowledge, unless the patient is sedated or unconscious and shows physical signs of pain such as tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperventilation.