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) Impetigo contagiosa: Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial skin infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. While it is contagious, it is not typically required to be reported to the state health department, as it is not considered a high-priority communicable disease that mandates immediate reporting.

B) Sarcoptes scabiei: Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a contagious parasitic skin infection. Although scabies can be easily spread, it is generally not a reportable disease to the state health department unless there is an outbreak in a specific setting, such as a healthcare facility or school.

C) Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is required by law to be reported to the state health department. Gonorrhea is a notifiable disease because of its potential for rapid transmission, complications, and its increasing resistance to antibiotics. Early reporting helps control the spread and provides opportunities for public health interventions.

D) Human papillomavirus (HPV): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that is not required to be reported to the state health department. While HPV is the most common STI and can lead to cancers such as cervical cancer, it is not mandated for reporting as an individual infection. However, certain types of HPV-related cancers may be tracked through cancer registries.

A) The child is unable to skate with good balance.
At 4 years old, a child’s balance and coordination are still developing. While skating requires more advanced skills, a child not having good balance at this age is not typically a concern unless other motor skills are delayed. Skating is not an expected milestone for a 4-year-old.

B) The child is unable to jump rope.
Jumping rope is a more complex skill that typically develops later, closer to ages 5 or 6, so the inability to do so at age 4 is not a cause for concern. It is a skill that requires fine motor coordination, balance, and timing, which may not be fully developed at this age.

C) The child is unable to walk downstairs on alternating feet.
At 4 years old, children are expected to be able to walk downstairs using alternating feet (one foot on each step). If a child cannot perform this task, it may indicate a delay in gross motor development, specifically in coordination and balance. This is a developmental milestone that typically emerges by age 4 and should be reported to the physical therapist for further evaluation.

D) The child is unable to walk backwards from heel to toe.
Walking backwards from heel to toe is a more advanced skill that typically develops later in childhood. This skill is not expected at age 4, so the child’s inability to do so is not a red flag for developmental concerns. It is more appropriate for older children.