A nurse is educating the parents of an 8-year-old child on using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment.
The child marks a point close to "worst pain imaginable" on the scale.
What does this indicate about the child's pain intensity?
The child is experiencing mild pain.
The child is in severe pain.
The child is pain-free.
The child's pain level cannot be determined from the given information.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
If the child marked a point close to "worst pain imaginable" on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), it would indicate severe pain, not mild pain.
The child's indication suggests that they are experiencing a high level of pain.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer.
When a child marks a point close to "worst pain imaginable" on the VAS, it indicates severe pain.
The VAS is a linear scale, with one end representing no pain and the other end representing the most severe pain.
Therefore, a mark close to the extreme end of severe pain suggests that the child's pain intensity is high.
Choice C rationale:
If the child marked a point close to "worst pain imaginable," it would not indicate that the child is pain-free.
It would actually suggest the opposite, that the child is in significant pain.
Choice D rationale:
The child's pain level can be determined from the given information.
By marking a point close to "worst pain imaginable" on the VAS, the child is indicating a high level of pain, which is consistent with the scale's interpretation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The normal range for both the FLACC Scale and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is not 0-10.
The FLACC Scale typically ranges from 0 to 2, and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale ranges from 0 to 10.
Therefore, choice A is not accurate.
Choice B rationale:
Similarly, the normal range for both scales is not 0-2.
While the FLACC Scale has a range of 0 to 2, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale covers a range from 0 to 10.
Choice B is not the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
The FLACC Scale is designed to assess pain in infants and young children and ranges from 0 to 2.
The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale is used for older children and adults, ranging from 0 to 10.
Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it accurately represents the normal ranges for these pain assessment scales.
Choice D rationale:
Choice D provides incorrect information about the normal ranges for both pain assessment scales.
It states that the FLACC Scale has a range of 0-10, which is not accurate, and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale has a range of 0-2, which is also incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assuming the child is tired and will be fine in a little while is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.
It's important to address the child's pain promptly.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice.
When a non-verbal child with difficulty breathing scores high on the FLACC Scale, it indicates significant pain.
Administering pain medication promptly is necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging the child's pain and expressing a commitment to help them feel better is a good approach, but it doesn't address the urgency of the situation.
The child's high pain score requires immediate action.
Choice D rationale:
Assuming the child is scared and there's no need to worry is not appropriate when the child has a high pain score.
Pain needs to be managed effectively.
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