A client’s child has been complaining of a deep, crampy, or colicky pain and has been experiencing nausea.
The nurse recognizes these symptoms as indicative of a certain type of pain.
Which of the following statements would be most appropriate for the client to say?

Choice B rationale:

Burning and tingling pain is more characteristic of neuropathic pain, often associated with nerve damage or dysfunction.

This type of pain is not typically associated with oncologic pain.

Choice C rationale:

Deep and crampy pain is more characteristic of nociceptive pain, which can be caused by tissue damage or inflammation.

It is not the primary descriptor of oncologic pain.

Choice D rationale:

Pain worsening with movement is not a specific indicator of oncologic pain.

It can be seen in various types of pain, including musculoskeletal or nociceptive pain.

The rationale for choice A is as follows: Oncologic pain, which is associated with cancer, is often described as sharp and stabbing.

This type of pain can result from the pressure exerted by the tumor on nearby tissues or nerve compression.

The fact that the pain is worse with movement and pressure is also consistent with oncologic pain, as tumors can become more painful when disturbed or pressed against other structures.

Therefore, the client's description of "sharp and stabbing" pain is indicative of oncologic pain and should be a cause for concern.

It is important for healthcare providers to further assess and manage this pain, considering the underlying cancer diagnosis.

Choice A rationale:

This choice is incorrect because the nurse should not disregard the child's developmental level when assessing pain.

Children of different ages may experience and express pain differently.

Ignoring their developmental stage can lead to inadequate pain assessment.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect because using an adult-focused pain assessment tool for all pediatric patients is not appropriate.

Pediatric patients require developmentally appropriate tools that consider their age and ability to communicate their pain effectively.

Choice C rationale:

This is a correct choice.

The nurse should consider the child's daily activities when assessing pain.

Pain can impact a child's daily life, including school performance and activities.

Understanding the child's daily activities helps in assessing the impact of pain and planning appropriate pain management.

Choice D rationale:

This is also a correct choice.

The nurse should document which assessment tool was used.

Proper documentation is essential for tracking the child's pain management over time and ensuring that the most appropriate assessment tool is consistently applied.

Choice E rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

The nurse should not ignore the impact of pain on school performance, as it is one of the aspects that should be considered when assessing a child's pain and its effect on their daily life.