A nurse is assessing a pediatric patient's pain and its impact on daily activities.
What should the nurse consider to be the initial step in making a comprehensive pain assessment using a developmentally appropriate pain assessment tool?
"Assess the patient's pain level without considering their developmental stage.”..
"Focus only on physiological indicators of pain.”..
"Understand the patient's growth and development to choose an appropriate assessment tool.”..
"Rely on the self-report of pain by the child for accuracy.”..
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
Understand the patient's growth and development to choose an appropriate assessment tool" is the most appropriate step in making a comprehensive pain assessment using a developmentally appropriate pain assessment tool.
Children of different ages and developmental stages may express pain differently.
The choice of assessment tool should take into account the child's ability to communicate and understand pain.
Age-appropriate tools should be used to ensure accurate pain assessment.
Choice A rationale:
Assess the patient's pain level without considering their developmental stage" is not an appropriate approach.
Children's pain experiences and expressions vary significantly based on their developmental stage.
Failing to consider the child's developmental stage may result in an inaccurate assessment of pain.
Choice B rationale:
Focus only on physiological indicators of pain" is an incomplete approach.
While physiological indicators are important, they should be combined with behavioral and self-report assessments to create a comprehensive pain assessment.
Relying solely on physiological indicators may miss important aspects of the child's pain experience.
Choice D rationale:
Rely on the self-report of pain by the child for accuracy" is an appropriate approach when the child is capable of self-reporting their pain.
However, in cases of pre-verbal or developmentally disabled children, self-report may not be possible or reliable, and alternative assessment methods, such as behavioral and observational assessments, should be used.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This choice is incorrect because it dismisses the child's pain, which is not an appropriate approach to pain assessment or management.
Pain assessment is a crucial part of effective pain management, and it should not be ignored.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because it suggests using medication as the sole approach to managing the child's pain.
While medication can be a part of pain management, it's important to assess and understand the nature and impact of the pain before deciding on the best approach.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice.
The nurse should inform the family that the nature of pain is subjective and individual.
Pain perception varies from person to person, and what one person experiences as severe pain may be different for another.
It is essential to acknowledge and address the child's pain, taking into consideration their unique experience.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect.
A child's developmental level does affect their perception of pain.
Children may experience and express pain differently depending on their age and developmental stage.
Ignoring this aspect can lead to inadequate pain assessment and management.
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.
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