Problem
Jeff is a 50-year-old patient who works on a loading dock. He is required to do heavy lifting and was picking up a 55-pound box when he felt immediate pain and what he describes as a "pop" in his back. He has come to the ED for care.
I. What assessment information would the ED nurse collect?
II. While awaiting results of a CT scan of Jeff's back, the emergency health care provider orders opioid pain medication to be given. Besides following the "rights" of medication administration, what concerns would the nurse have about Jeff taking opioid pain medication?
III. The ED physician diagnoses Jeff with a herniated nucleus propulsus (HNP). Jeff has been following up with his primary care provider since he was discharged 6 months ago and now has chronic back pain. Today, he lifted his 3-year-old nephew and felt an immediate increase in back pain.
Could Jeff have acute pain and persistent (chronic) pain at the same time? Based on your answer, how is treatment impacted?