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?
Oucher
FLACC
FACES
Visual Analog Scale
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: The Oucher pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 to 13 years who can point to pictures of faces that match their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or point to pictures.
Choice B: The FLACC pain scale is suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for infants and children aged 2 months to 7 years who cannot verbalize their pain. The FLACC pain scale assesses five behavioral indicators of pain: face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability. Each indicator is scored from 0 to 2 based on the observation of the nurse. The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more pain.
Choice C: The FACES pain scale is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for children aged 3 years and older who can select a face that matches their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or select a face.
Choice D: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is not suitable for a 6-month-old infant, as it is designed for adults and older children who can mark a point on a line that represents their pain level. A 6-month-old infant cannot communicate verbally or mark a point on a line.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Applying heat to a bleeding site can increase blood flow and worsen the bleeding. This statement indicates a need for further teaching, as the parent should avoid applying heat and use cold compresses instead.
Choice B: Having the child rest can reduce physical activity and prevent further injury or bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as resting is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Choice C: Compressing the site can apply pressure and stop the bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as compressing is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Choice D: Elevating the affected part can reduce blood pressure and slow down the bleeding. This statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching, as elevating is one of the recommended actions for controlling a minor bleeding episode.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Tachycardia is not a finding that indicates increased intracranial pressure, but rather a sign of shock, dehydration, or pain. Tachycardia is a fast heart rate, which is more than 160 beats per minute in infants. Tachycardia can occur when the body tries to compensate for low blood pressure, fluid loss, or tissue damage.
Choice B: Increased sleeping is a finding that indicates increased intracranial pressure, as it reflects altered level of consciousness, which is one of the earliest and most sensitive signs of increased intracranial pressure. Increased intracranial pressure can compress the brain tissue and affect its function and responsiveness. Increased sleeping can progress to lethargy, stupor, or coma.
Choice C: Brisk pupillary reaction to light is not a finding that indicates increased intracranial pressure, but rather a normal and expected response. A brisk pupillary reaction to light means that the pupils constrict quickly when exposed to bright light and dilate quickly when exposed to dim light. Brisk pupillary reaction to light indicates intact cranial nerve II (optic) and III (oculomotor).
Choice D: Depressed fontanels are not a finding that indicates increased intracranial pressure, but rather a sign of dehydration or malnutrition. Depressed fontanels are sunken or flat areas on the top or back of an infant's head where the skull bones have not yet fused together. Depressed fontanels can occur when there is insufficient fluid or tissue volume in the body.
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