A terminally ill patient is experiencing severe pain. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administering pain medication as prescribed
• B. Encouraging the patient to tough it out for spiritual growth
• C. Implementing distraction techniques to divert attention from pain
• D. Discussing the possibility of a higher level of care with the patient

Answer: (B)

Relieving severe pain is the immediate priority in terminally ill care because unmanaged pain drives distress, limits functioning, and diminishes dignity. Administering pain medication as prescribed directly targets the symptom, providing steady relief and allowing the patient to engage in care, comfort measures, and meaningful activities. In palliative practice, the approach is proactive analgesia: give medications on a regular schedule when appropriate, titrate to effect, use rescue doses for breakthrough pain, and reassess frequently for effectiveness and side effects. Strategies that ask the patient to endure pain or rely on distraction alone do not adequately control the physical sensation and can undermine comfort and quality of life. While discussing future care options is important, it does not replace the need for immediate pain relief.