Which point should the nurse include in a teaching plan to manage pain during dressing changes for a client with burns over 18% of body surface?

In managing pain during dressing changes for a client with burns, it is crucial to administer pain medication prior to the procedure. This approach ensures that the client is adequately pre-medicated and can experience reduced pain perception during what is typically a painful process. Effective pain management is fundamental in burn care, as dressing changes can involve significant discomfort due to the sensitivity of the burned tissue.

Administering pain medication beforehand allows the analgesic effects to take hold, providing a more comfortable experience for the client. This proactive approach to pain management not only decreases anxiety related to the procedure but also enhances the overall quality of care.

While other strategies might offer some benefits, they do not provide the same level of direct and effective pain management. For instance, applying ice could potentially harm the already compromised tissue, and performing changes quickly might compromise thorough care and patient comfort. Encouraging deep breathing can assist with relaxation but is not a substitute for pharmacological pain management in this scenario. Hence, the correct focus is on the timely administration of pain medication in preparation for dressing changes to optimize the client’s comfort and ease during the procedure.