A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old child who has been complaining of abdominal pain for the past 24 hours.
The child is able to communicate verbally and is able to describe the pain as "sharp" and "crampy.”..
The child is also guarding the abdomen and has limited range of motion.
Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate?
"I'm going to give you some medicine to make the pain go away.”..
"I'm going to call the doctor and see if they want us to order any tests.”..
"It's important to tell me how much pain you're in so that I can help you.”..
"You're a very brave boy/girl.
know it's hard to deal with pain.”..
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Offering medication without a clear diagnosis or doctor's assessment is not appropriate, as it could lead to improper treatment.
The child's condition should be evaluated before administering any medication.
Choice C rationale:
While it is important to assess the child's pain level, this statement doesn't address the need for further evaluation to determine the cause of the pain.
Pain assessment is a part of the nursing process, but in this case, it should be preceded by a medical evaluation.
Choice D rationale:
Complimenting the child for their bravery is a positive interaction, but it doesn't address the need for further evaluation or intervention to identify the cause of the pain.
The rationale for choice B is as follows: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize the child's safety and well-being.
The child is experiencing abdominal pain described as "sharp" and "crampy," and there are signs of guarding and limited range of motion.
These symptoms could be indicative of a serious underlying issue, such as appendicitis.
Therefore, the most appropriate action is to call the doctor and discuss the need for further tests.
It's essential to rule out any potential surgical or medical emergencies before addressing the pain symptomatically.
This approach ensures that the child's condition is properly evaluated, and appropriate interventions can be initiated if necessary.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
I have a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement.”..
Choice A rationale:
I have a sharp, throbbing pain at the site of my injury.”..
This choice does not align with the reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities.
These symptoms are commonly associated with chronic pain, particularly the dull, aching type.
Choice B rationale:
I feel a burning or shooting pain with numbness and tingling.”..
This choice is more characteristic of neuropathic pain, which may involve burning or shooting sensations and numbness and tingling.
However, the reported symptoms are not typical of neuropathic pain but are more consistent with chronic pain.
Choice C rationale:
My pain is deep and crampy, and I'm feeling nauseous.”..
This description is closer to visceral pain, which can be deep and crampy and may cause nausea.
However, the reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities are not strongly associated with visceral pain.
Choice D rationale:
I have a dull, aching pain that worsens with movement.”..
This is the correct answer.
The reported symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, and withdrawal from activities are commonly associated with chronic pain, particularly the dull, aching type.
Chronic pain can lead to a decrease in physical and emotional well-being, resulting in these manifestations.
The worsening of pain with movement is also indicative of chronic pain, as it often restricts a person's ability to engage in physical activities.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Acute pain is usually associated with a recent injury or illness, and it is of short duration.
The child in the scenario has been experiencing pain for the past few months, which indicates a more prolonged pain experience.
Acute pain typically serves as a warning sign of a new or ongoing injury or issue, but in this case, the pain has become chronic.
Choice B rationale:
Nociceptive pain is the result of the stimulation of nociceptors by tissue damage or inflammation.
While it can be acute or chronic, the description of the child's symptoms, such as being tired, having a decreased appetite, and withdrawing from activities for the past few months, suggests a pain that goes beyond the typical characteristics of nociceptive pain.
Therefore, this choice is not the most appropriate.
Choice C rationale:
Neuropathic pain is typically characterized by sensations like burning, tingling, or shooting pain, often due to nerve damage.
The child's symptoms, such as tiredness, decreased appetite, and withdrawal from activities, do not align with the typical presentation of neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is more often associated with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or nerve compression.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, typically more than three months.
The child's experience of pain for the past few months and the associated symptoms of tiredness, decreased appetite, and withdrawal from activities are indicative of chronic pain.
This choice is the most appropriate because it aligns with the child's clinical presentation.
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