A client asks a nurse to explain the difference between acute and chronic pain in children.
Which of the following responses by the nurse would be appropriate?

Choice A rationale:

This response accurately describes the difference between acute and chronic pain in children.

Acute pain is sudden, often severe, and usually has a specific cause, such as an injury or a medical procedure.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for an extended period, often beyond the expected healing time, and may not have an easily identifiable cause.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is not correct.

Acute pain is not always severe; it can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause.

Chronic pain is characterized by its duration rather than its severity.

Choice C rationale:

This response is not accurate.

Both acute and chronic pain can be treated or managed with medication and other therapeutic interventions.

The distinction between the two lies in the duration and cause of the pain, not in the treatability.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is not accurate.

Acute and chronic pain can both have physical and psychological components.

Acute pain is often related to a specific physical cause, while chronic pain can have physical and psychological factors contributing to it.

Choice A rationale:

Physiological assessments are essential when assessing pain in pre-verbal and developmentally disabled children.

These assessments include vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Changes in these parameters can provide valuable information about the presence and severity of pain.

For example, an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate may indicate pain or distress in a pediatric patient.

Choice B rationale:

Behavioral assessments are crucial for assessing pain in children who cannot communicate verbally.

Behavioral indicators may include facial expressions, body movements, crying, or changes in activity level.

For instance, a child in pain may exhibit facial grimacing, restlessness, or agitation.

Observing these behaviors can help healthcare providers identify and assess pain in pediatric patients.

Choice E rationale:

Observational techniques involve closely observing the child's behavior and reactions in response to various stimuli or interventions.

These techniques can help in assessing pain when the child cannot verbally express it.

For instance, during a painful procedure, the nurse can observe how the child reacts to touch, medical equipment, or other interventions.

This observation provides valuable information for assessing pain and making necessary interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Verbal communication (Choice C) is generally not a reliable method for assessing pain in pre-verbal or developmentally disabled children because they may not have the language skills to express their pain adequately.

Relying solely on verbal communication may result in underestimating or missing the child's pain experience.

Choice D rationale:

Self-report scales (Choice D) are typically not suitable for pre-verbal or developmentally disabled children because they rely on the child's ability to communicate their pain through a numerical or visual scale.

These scales are more appropriate for older children who can self-report their pain.