A nurse is caring for a client who has been experiencing muscle tension and discomfort. The nurse decides to use heat therapy as part of the client’s care plan.
Which of the following outcomes should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

Distraction techniques are effective for pain relief in pediatric patients.

They involve diverting the child's attention away from the pain by engaging them in activities or offering stimuli that are interesting and enjoyable.

This can include playing games, watching videos, or using age-appropriate toys.

Distraction techniques help reduce the perception of pain by redirecting the child's focus, making it a valuable non-pharmacological approach in pediatric pain management.

Choice B rationale:

Massage therapy has already been discussed in, and its effectiveness in providing pain relief to pediatric patients without medication administration has been explained.

It can be a valuable technique for soothing discomfort and promoting relaxation.

Choice C rationale:

Breathing exercises are a non-pharmacological intervention that can help pediatric patients manage pain and anxiety.

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can reduce tension and improve oxygenation, which can lead to decreased discomfort.

Teaching a child to take slow, deep breaths can help them regain control over their body's responses to pain and stress.

Choice D rationale:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medication, and

Choice E rationale:

Opioids are potent medications that are not non-pharmacological interventions.

Therefore, they are not suitable options when looking for non-drug methods to manage pain in pediatric patients.

Choice A rationale:

Opioids do not inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are chemicals that play a role in the perception of pain and inflammation, but opioids work through a different mechanism.

They bind to opioid receptors in the body.

Choice B rationale:

Opioids do not block the release of histamine.

Histamine is involved in allergic reactions and inflammation, but it is not the primary target of opioids.

Opioids primarily bind to opioid receptors.

Choice D rationale:

Opioids do not stimulate the central nervous system to reduce pain and inflammation.

In fact, opioids often have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, leading to sedation and respiratory depression.

Their main action is through binding to opioid receptors.

The correct answer is choice C because opioids work by binding to opioid receptors, which alters the perception of pain.

Opioid receptors are found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and when opioids bind to these receptors, they modulate pain perception, leading to pain relief.

This mechanism is how opioids exert their analgesic effects.