A nurse is assessing a child’s pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
The child rates their pain as ‘7’ on the scale.
Based on this rating, how should the nurse interpret the child’s pain intensity?
The child is experiencing moderate pain.
The child is experiencing severe pain.
The child is experiencing mild pain.
The child is not experiencing any pain.
The Correct Answer is A
The child is experiencing moderate pain.
Choice A rationale:
A rating of '7' on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) typically indicates moderate pain.
The NRS is commonly used to assess pain in individuals who can communicate their pain level numerically.
The scale usually ranges from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst possible pain.
In this context, a score of 7 suggests that the child is experiencing moderate pain, as they have rated their pain above the midpoint of the scale.
Choice B rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS does not indicate severe pain.
Severe pain would usually be associated with a higher score, often closer to the upper limit of the scale (e.g., 9 or 10)
Therefore, choice B is not the correct interpretation in this case.
Choice C rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS is higher than what is typically considered mild pain.
Mild pain would typically be represented by a lower score, such as 1 to 3 on the NRS.
Therefore, choice C is not the correct interpretation.
Choice D rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS clearly indicates that the child is experiencing pain.
Choice D, which states that the child is not experiencing any pain, is not the correct interpretation based on the provided pain rating.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The FLACC Scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is typically used for infants and young children who cannot effectively communicate their pain through verbal means.
This tool is not suitable for children aged 5 years and older as they can often express their pain verbally and can use more appropriate pain assessment tools.
Choice B rationale:
The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is a suitable tool for children aged 5 years and older.
It uses a series of faces depicting various levels of pain, making it easier for children to express their pain intensity.
This tool is particularly useful for children who can understand and communicate their feelings but may have difficulty with numerical scales.
Choice C rationale:
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is a suitable tool for children aged 5 years and older.
It asks the child to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the worst pain imaginable.
Children in this age group can often understand and use numerical scales effectively.
Choice D rationale:
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is not typically recommended for children aged 5 years and older.
It requires the ability to mark a point on a line to indicate pain intensity, which can be challenging for young children.
Other tools like the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale or the Numeric Rating Scale are more appropriate for this age group.
Choice E rationale:
None of the above" is not the correct choice, as options B, C, and D are suitable for children aged 5 years and older.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assuming the child is tired and will be fine in a little while is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.
It's important to address the child's pain promptly.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice.
When a non-verbal child with difficulty breathing scores high on the FLACC Scale, it indicates significant pain.
Administering pain medication promptly is necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging the child's pain and expressing a commitment to help them feel better is a good approach, but it doesn't address the urgency of the situation.
The child's high pain score requires immediate action.
Choice D rationale:
Assuming the child is scared and there's no need to worry is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.
Pain needs to be managed effectively.
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