A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child.

Exhibits

For each of the following findings, click to specify if the finding is consistent with acute laryngotracheobronchitis or pneumonia. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

A. The prone position is not suitable for a lumbar puncture.
B. The lateral position, with knees drawn up to the chest, is the most common position for a lumbar puncture. It helps widen the spaces between the vertebrae, making it easier to insert the needle.
C. Semi-Fowler's position is not appropriate for a lumbar puncture.
D. The supine position is not suitable for a lumbar puncture.

A. This statement is appropriate for a 3-year-old. It uses simple language to explain the injection in a way that minimizes fear. Describing the injection as a "little stick" helps to convey that the sensation will be brief and not too painful, which can help reduce anxiety about the procedure.
B. This statement is not advisable because it can place undue pressure on the child to avoid expressing their feelings of discomfort. Additionally, it can create a sense of conditional reward rather than focusing on the purpose of the injection and making the experience more positive.
C. While this statement is well-intentioned, it might be too vague for a 3-year-old. Children at this age may not fully understand the concept of "feeling better" or the purpose of the medication. It is better to use simple and specific language that relates directly to the procedure rather than the outcome.
D. This statement is not appropriate because it offers a choice that is not feasible or relevant to the
child’s immediate situation. For a 3-year-old, the decision about which leg to use is typically made by the healthcare provider based on clinical considerations.