Table 5 Case scenarios (n = 65)

Patient 1: Andrew

Andrew is 25 years old and this is his first day following abdominal surgery. As you enter his room, he smiles and continues talking and joking with his visitor. You are required to transport him to a hospital closer to home. Your assessment reveals the following information: BP = 120/80 mmHg; Heart Rate = 80 bpm; Respiratory Rate = 18 bpm. When questioned about his pain, on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 = no pain/discomfort, 10 = worst pain/discomfort) he rates his pain as 8.

Questions:

- On the patient care report form, you are required to indicate his pain score. Select the number on the below scale (0–10) that represents your assessment of Andrew’s pain.

- Indicate how you will manage Andrew’s pain.

Patient 2: Robert

Robert is 25 years old and this is his first day following abdominal surgery. As you enter his room, he is lying quietly in bed and grimaces as he turns in bed. You are required to transport him to a hospital closer to home. Your assessment reveals the following information: BP = 120/80 mmHg; Heart Rate = 80 bpm; Respiratory rate = 18 bpm. When questioned about his pain, on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 = no pain/discomfort, 10 = worst pain/discomfort) he rates his pain as 8.

Questions:

- On the patient care report form, you are required to indicate his pain score. Select the number on the below scale (0–10) that represents your assessment of Robert’s pain.

- Indicate how you will manage Robert’s pain.