A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old client who is immediately postoperative. The client is nonverbal and has both cognitive and developmental delays. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to evaluate the client's pain?
FACES Scale.
Numerical scale.
FLACC pain assessment scale.
Visual analog scale.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
The FACES Scale is a visual pain scale typically used for children who can understand and verbalize their pain intensity. It consists of a series of faces with varying expressions, from smiling to crying, to help the child express their pain level. However, since the client in question is nonverbal and has cognitive and developmental delays, this scale may not be suitable as they might not be able to communicate using this tool effectively.
Choice B reason:
The Numerical Scale involves asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. While this scale is commonly used for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a nonverbal and developmentally delayed 9-year-old client, as they may not understand or be able to use numbers effectively to express their pain.
Choice C reason:
The FLACC pain assessment scale is designed for nonverbal or preverbal individuals, including children and those with cognitive impairments. FLACC stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Each category is scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3, depending on the version used, based on specific observed behaviors. The scores are then totaled to give an overall pain assessment. This scale is particularly suitable for the current client's condition as it focuses on observable behaviors rather than verbal communication.
Choice D reason:
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) requires the patient to mark a point along a line that represents their pain intensity, with one end indicating no pain and the other end indicating the worst pain. Although this scale is useful for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a 9-year-old client with cognitive and developmental delays who might not fully comprehend the concept of the scale.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.
Choice A reason:
The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.
Choice B reason:
Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.
Choice C reason:
Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"I will reinforce the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat.".
Choice A reason:
Placing a heat pack on the patch to improve adhesion is not recommended. Heat can potentially increase the absorption of the medication and lead to adverse effects. Applying additional heat to the patch can be dangerous and may cause an overdose or other complications.
Choice B reason:
Placing the patch on the back side of the child's arm is not the correct application site for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. The appropriate site for application is typically the hip or the top of the buttocks. The back of the arm may not provide proper absorption and can result in suboptimal medication delivery.
Choice C reason:
This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Reinforcing the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat is a recommended step to ensure proper adhesion of the patch. If the edges of the patch lift or don't stick properly, using clear tape can help keep the patch securely in place, ensuring continuous and consistent drug delivery.
Choice D reason:
Leaving the patch in place for no more than 9 hours is incorrect. The duration of wear for a methylphenidate transdermal patch varies depending on the specific brand and formulation. Typically, these patches are designed for 9 to 12 hours of wear, and leaving them on for a shorter duration may result in inadequate symptom control.
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