Which of the following is an example of a direct contact transmission? a. an individual contracts rabies after being bitten by a rabid raccoon. b. an individual contracts human immunodeficiency virus after an accidental needlestick with a needle containing contaminated blood. c. an individual contracts bubonic plague after being bitten by a flea carrying yersinia pestis (the bacterial pathogen). d. an individual contracts hantavirus by inhaling fresh rodent droppings while cleaning a barn.

You are assessing an 86-year-old postoperative patient who has an unexpressive, stoic demeanor. when you enter the room, the patient is curled into the fetal position and your assessment reveals that his vital signs are elevated and he is diaphoretic. you ask the patient what his pain level is on a 0-to-10 scale that you explained to the patient prior to surgery. the patient indicates a pain level of “three or so.” you review your pain-management orders and find that all medications are ordered prn. how would you treat this patient's pain?