If a client is experiencing intractable pain, what instruction should be given to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assisting with a bed bath?

Promoting comfort for a client experiencing intractable pain is essential to their overall well-being and can significantly impact their ability to participate in care activities, such as a bed bath. When unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are instructed to prioritize comfort, they can implement various strategies, such as adjusting the room temperature, providing blankets, or allowing the client to express their needs and preferences during the bathing process. This approach acknowledges the client's pain and encourages a sense of control, which can alleviate some distress related to personal care.

The other options do not directly address the immediate needs of the client in pain. Reporting signs of drug addiction is important, but it is not relevant in the context of immediate care and comfort during a bed bath. Waiting until the client's pain is gone is impractical, as intractable pain may not resolve quickly enough to permit personal care. Regarding the unknown cause of pain, while it may be true, acknowledging that the pain is difficult to manage does not provide a helpful directive or support to the UAP in assisting with the client's care at that moment. Prioritizing comfort remains the most compassionate and practical instruction.