Which of the following is a non-pharmacological comfort measure?

Which of the following is a non-pharmacological comfort measure?

• A. Repositioning
• B. Administer analgesics
• C. Instruct patients to rest
• D. Discontinue care

Answer: (A)

Non-pharmacological comfort measures are ways to ease pain and distress without using medications. Repositioning the patient directly reduces discomfort by redistributing pressure, relieving pain from pressure points, preventing tissue injury, and often aiding breathing and circulation in the trauma setting. Analgesics involve medications, so they’re considered pharmacologic rather than non-pharmacologic. Instructing a patient to rest isn’t a specific, active comfort intervention in acute care the way repositioning is, and it doesn’t address the immediate need for pressure relief or comfort as effectively. Discontinuing care would not provide comfort and is not an appropriate intervention.

Non-pharmacological comfort measures are ways to ease pain and distress without using medications. Repositioning the patient directly reduces discomfort by redistributing pressure, relieving pain from pressure points, preventing tissue injury, and often aiding breathing and circulation in the trauma setting. Analgesics involve medications, so they’re considered pharmacologic rather than non-pharmacologic. Instructing a patient to rest isn’t a specific, active comfort intervention in acute care the way repositioning is, and it doesn’t address the immediate need for pressure relief or comfort as effectively. Discontinuing care would not provide comfort and is not an appropriate intervention.