Which option represents a nonpharmacologic comfort measure that was identified?

Which option represents a nonpharmacologic comfort measure that was identified?

• A. Administer IV morphine.
• B. Initiating IV fluid therapy.
• C. Applying ice to swollen areas.
• D. Administer intramuscular ketamine.

Answer: (C)

Nonpharmacologic comfort measures relieve pain without medications. Applying ice to swollen areas fits this, because cold therapy provides local numbness and reduces swelling without giving drugs. The other options involve medications or direct medical therapy—administering morphine or ketamine provides pharmacologic pain relief, and initiating IV fluids is a medical intervention not primarily used as a comfort measure for pain.

Nonpharmacologic comfort measures relieve pain without medications. Applying ice to swollen areas fits this, because cold therapy provides local numbness and reduces swelling without giving drugs. The other options involve medications or direct medical therapy—administering morphine or ketamine provides pharmacologic pain relief, and initiating IV fluids is a medical intervention not primarily used as a comfort measure for pain.