A nurse is assessing a child who is exhibiting visible signs of distress, crying, and guarding the affected area.
The child's heart rate and blood pressure have also increased.
Which type of pain is the child most likely experiencing?

Choice A rationale:

It's okay to cry.

I know you're in pain.”..

This response is the most appropriate because it acknowledges the child's pain and provides comfort and empathy.

It encourages the child to express their discomfort and emotions, which is essential for effective pain management in pediatric patients.

Validating the child's pain and offering emotional support is a crucial aspect of nursing care.

Choice B rationale:

You're not supposed to be crying.

You're just trying to get attention.”

This response is not appropriate because it dismisses the child's pain and emotions.

It may cause the child to feel guilty or reluctant to express their discomfort.

Effective pain management in pediatric patients involves acknowledging their pain and providing appropriate interventions to address it, rather than attributing their crying to attention-seeking behavior.

Choice C rationale:

"You're not as bad as some of the other kids I've seen with tonsillectomies.”

Comparing the child's pain to that of other children is not a suitable response.

Each child's pain experience is unique, and making comparisons can minimize the child's suffering and discourage them from expressing their pain.

The focus should be on addressing the individual child's pain and providing the necessary care and comfort.

Choice D rationale:

You need to suck it up and stop crying.”..

This response is not appropriate and is insensitive to the child's pain.

It dismisses the child's discomfort and discourages them from expressing their pain.

Effective pain management in pediatric patients involves acknowledging their pain, providing appropriate interventions, and offering emotional support.

Choice A rationale:

This choice is incorrect because it indicates the client's reluctance to have their child take any medication.

While some parents may have concerns about medication, the nurse should provide information and education about the benefits and risks of opioid use in specific situations.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is incorrect because it suggests that opioids are not effective in reducing pain, which is not accurate.

Opioids are known to be effective in managing moderate to severe pain in both adults and children when used appropriately.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice.

The nurse should expect the client to understand that opioids can help manage their child's pain.

It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the use of opioids, potential side effects, and the importance of proper pain management.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is incorrect.

If the child is experiencing moderate to severe pain, opioids may be a suitable choice for pain management, and it's not solely based on the severity of pain.

The decision should be made based on a comprehensive assessment and medical evaluation.