Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN Degree) Practice Exam

The role of the nurse in managing a patient’s pain is centered around assessing pain levels and advocating for appropriate treatment. Nurses are trained to recognize and evaluate a patient’s pain through subjective reports and objective measurements, allowing them to understand the severity and impact of pain on a patient’s overall well-being.

By conducting thorough assessments, nurses can identify pain triggers and relief measures, guiding their interventions. Advocacy is a crucial aspect as well; nurses communicate the patient's needs and concerns to the healthcare team, ensuring that pain management strategies are integrated into the patient's overall care plan. This collaboration helps in tailoring a treatment approach that is most beneficial for the patient, enhancing their comfort and recovery.

The other options reflect responsibilities that either exceed or misrepresent the scope of nursing practice. While nurses play an important role in the treatment plan, they do not make independent decisions about it without collaboration. Performing medical procedures is within their scope, but they do so under the direction of a physician or healthcare provider. Moreover, nurses do not prescribe medications independently; this function is reserved for licensed prescribers such as doctors or nurse practitioners.