A nurse is evaluating an 8-month-old infant's pain level following the administration of hydrocodone. Which of the following pain scales would the nurse use?

A) Report the healing status of the client's surgical site to the provider:
While this is an important aspect of the nurse’s responsibilities, it does not involve the client in decision-making. Reporting the healing status is a task that requires clinical assessment, but it doesn't allow the client to have a role in making decisions about their care or treatment options.

B) Assist the client to perform exercises and ambulate on the unit:
Assisting the client with exercises and ambulation is important for recovery, but it doesn’t directly involve the client in decision-making. The nurse is providing physical assistance, but this action is more about carrying out the care plan rather than consulting or involving the client in making decisions about their care.

C) Consult the client about options proposed by the physical therapist:
This option best involves the client in decision-making. It allows the nurse to discuss with the client the different options proposed by the physical therapist and gives the client the opportunity to make informed decisions about their own care. This approach supports patient autonomy and ensures the client is an active participant in their rehabilitation process.

D) Ask the client to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 every 12 hr:
While assessing pain is important for managing the client’s comfort, it doesn’t necessarily involve the client in decision-making. The client is providing information, but the nurse is still the one determining the course of action regarding pain management based on that input. It is more about assessment than collaboration in decision-making.

A) Rolls from back to abdomen: Rolling from back to abdomen is a typical developmental milestone for a 4-month-old infant. By this age, infants usually have increased muscle strength and coordination, allowing them to start rolling over. This movement helps build their core strength, which is important for later developmental milestones like sitting up and crawling.

B) Moves objects to mouth: It is common for a 4-month-old to move objects to their mouth as they begin exploring the world around them. This action is a key part of sensory development and helps infants develop their hand-to-mouth coordination. Additionally, this behavior assists in teething and the development of oral motor skills.

C) Anterior fontanel closed: The anterior fontanel normally closes between 12 to 18 months of age. If it is closed at 4 months, it may suggest abnormal cranial growth, such as craniosynostosis, where the sutures of the skull close too early. This could lead to increased pressure on the brain, which can cause developmental delays or other complications, so the provider should be notified for further assessment.

D) Posterior fontanel closed: The posterior fontanel typically closes by 2 to 3 months of age. If it is closed by 4 months, it is completely normal and indicates proper cranial development. The closing of the posterior fontanel helps ensure the skull's bones are fusing together as expected, and it does not raise any concerns at this stage.