A nurse caring for pediatric patients must understand the challenges in assessing pain, especially in pre-verbal and developmentally disabled children.
Select the appropriate methods or tools used in place of self-report of pain by these patients.
Select all that apply)
Physiological assessments.
Behavioral assessments.
Verbal communication.
Self-report scales.
Observational techniques.
Correct Answer : A,B,E
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Acute Pain Similar to the explanation in question 2, acute pain is not specifically related to the muscles, bones, joints, or connective tissues.
Acute pain can have various causes, including injuries, surgery, or other acute conditions.
Therefore, it is not the correct choice for this scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Somatic Pain Somatic pain is the correct answer, as it specifically involves the muscles, bones, joints, or connective tissues.
This type of pain is associated with injuries, inflammation, or trauma in these areas, and it is the most appropriate choice for the question.
Choice C rationale:
Visceral Pain Visceral pain, as mentioned earlier, originates from internal organs and is not related to the musculoskeletal system.
It is described as a deep, aching, or cramping pain and is not the correct choice for this question.
Choice D rationale:
Musculoskeletal Pain While musculoskeletal pain seems relevant, it is not a commonly recognized type of pain category.
Musculoskeletal pain can be considered a subset of somatic pain and is not a distinct type of pain.
Therefore, it is not the correct answer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Neuropathic pain.
Choice A rationale:
Somatic pain Somatic pain is typically described as a sharp or aching sensation arising from the skin, muscles, or bones.
It is not typically associated with the burning or tingling sensations mentioned by the client.
Choice B rationale:
Visceral pain Visceral pain is pain originating from internal organs and is often described as a dull, crampy, or aching sensation.
It is not characterized by burning or tingling sensations.
Choice C rationale:
Neuropathic pain Neuropathic pain is characterized by abnormal processing of pain signals by the nervous system.
It often presents with burning, tingling, or shooting sensations.
The client's description of their pain as a burning or tingling sensation is indicative of neuropathic pain.
Choice D rationale:
Oncologic pain Oncologic pain is pain associated with cancer and its treatment.
It can have various qualities, but the description provided by the client, particularly the burning or tingling sensation, is more characteristic of neuropathic pain than oncologic pain.
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