A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who is postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to determine the infant's pain level?

Choice A: Allowing for imaginative play with peers without supervision is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause frustration, anxiety, or isolation for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with social skills, communication, and imagination, which can affect their ability to interact and play with others. The nurse should provide structured and supervised play activities that promote socialization and cooperation.

Choice B: Providing a completely unpredictable schedule that adjusts to the child's interests is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause confusion, stress, or tantrums for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with transitions, changes, and flexibility, which can affect their ability to cope and adapt to different situations. The nurse should provide a consistent and predictable schedule that follows a routine and gives clear expectations.

Choice C: Allowing for adjustment of rules to correlate with the child's behavior is not an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can cause inconsistency, insecurity, or manipulation for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty understanding and following rules, which can affect their ability to behave and function appropriately. The nurse should provide firm and fair rules that are enforced consistently and respectfully.

Choice D: Establishing a reward system for positive behavior with prizes is an appropriate intervention for a child who has autism spectrum disorder, as it can provide motivation, reinforcement, and feedback for the child. A child who has autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with learning and performing new skills, which can affect their ability to achieve and succeed. The nurse should provide a reward system that recognizes and rewards positive behavior with tangible or intangible prizes.

Choice A reason: This choice is correct because a child who has nephrotic syndrome is the most appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes proteinuria, edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. It does not pose any risk of infection or injury to the child who has leukemia, and it does not require any isolation or special precautions. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can help to conserve resources and promote socialization.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because a child recovering from a ruptured appendix is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. A ruptured appendix is a medical emergency that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and bursts, releasing bacteria and pus into the abdominal cavity. It may cause peritonitis, sepsis, or abscess formation, and it requires surgery and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to a child who has leukemia, who has a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the chance of cross-contamination and complications.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has rheumatic fever is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that occurs as a complication of streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. It may affect the heart, joints, skin, or nervous system, and it requires anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a compromised immune system due to cancer or treatment. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the likelihood of transmission and infection.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because a child who has cystic fibrosis is not an appropriate roommate for a child who has leukemia. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the mucus glands of the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, and reproductive organs. It causes thick and sticky mucus to build up in the organs, leading to chronic lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, malnutrition, and infertility. It requires respiratory therapy, enzyme supplements, nutritional support, and antibiotics. It may pose a risk of infection to the child who has leukemia, who has a reduced ability to fight germs due to malignancy or therapy. Therefore, placing these two children in the same room can increase the possibility of exposure and infection.