In a multi-patient scenario, how should a nurse address a patient in severe pain?

In a multi-patient scenario, prioritizing pain management before addressing less critical needs is essential for several reasons. Pain can significantly affect a patient's physiological and psychological well-being, potentially leading to complications if not managed promptly. Addressing severe pain not only improves the patient’s immediate comfort but also allows for better engagement in subsequent assessments and treatments.

When a patient is in severe pain, they may be unable to effectively communicate other needs or participate in their care. Therefore, alleviating that pain should be seen as a priority to ensure the patient feels safe and stable. Once the patient's pain is appropriately managed, the nurse can then address other needs in the care plan effectively.

In contrast, not addressing the pain immediately - whether by assigning the patient to a different nurse or merely documenting without intervention - could exacerbate the patient's suffering and hinder their overall recovery. Providing distractions may offer temporary relief but does not tackle the underlying issue of severe pain, which requires direct management through medications or other interventions. Thus, effective prioritization of pain management aligns with the best practices in nursing care.