A six-year-old complains of pain at the surgical site, one hour after the nurse gave IV morphine, which is ordered every four hours prn pain. What is the nurse's best next step?
Ask the patient to wait a little longer for the medicine to work.
Review whether the morphine dose is therapeutic for his weight.
Call the physician immediately.
Encourage the child to use television as a form of distraction.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Ask the patient to wait a little longer for the medicine to work.
This option may not be appropriate, especially if the child is experiencing significant pain. It's essential to address the child's pain promptly rather than asking them to wait, as adequate pain management is crucial for the child's well-being.
B. Review whether the morphine dose is therapeutic for his weight.
While reviewing the dose for the child's weight is important, it may not be the immediate next step in this situation. If the child is experiencing pain that persists after one hour, the priority is to address the immediate pain concern. The nurse can later review the medication orders and dosages in collaboration with the healthcare provider.
C. Call the physician immediately.
This is the most appropriate next step in this scenario. If the child is experiencing pain despite having received morphine one hour ago, contacting the physician is important to discuss the current situation, assess the need for additional pain management, and potentially make adjustments to the treatment plan.
D. Encourage the child to use television as a form of distraction.
Distraction can be a helpful complementary measure for managing pain, but it may not be sufficient in this case if the pain persists. The primary focus should be on addressing the pain through appropriate medical interventions, and calling the physician is a more urgent step.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Autonomy.
The ethical/moral principle represented in this situation is autonomy. Autonomy refers to the respect for an individual's right to make their own decisions and choices about their own life and well-being. In this case, the parent expressing second thoughts about the child's surgery reflects a reconsideration of the decision, and the nurse's action of calling the surgeon respects the parent's autonomy by seeking further discussion and clarification.
B. Fidelity
Fidelity refers to the principle of faithfulness, loyalty, and keeping promises. While it is important in the healthcare context, the scenario does not involve a breach of fidelity.
C. Equality
Equality relates to the fair and just treatment of individuals. In this scenario, the primary focus is on the parent's autonomy and the reconsideration of the elective surgery, rather than issues of equality.
D. Justice
Justice involves the fair distribution of benefits and burdens in society. The scenario does not directly relate to justice but is more aligned with the principle of autonomy as the parent reconsiders the decision about the child's surgery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Productive cough, rales
A productive cough with rales (crackling or bubbling sounds in the lungs) is more indicative of conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis, not necessarily asthma.
B. Fever, general malaise
Fever and general malaise are more consistent with infections and not specific to asthma.
C. Stridor, suprasternal retractions
Stridor (high-pitched sound during breathing) and suprasternal retractions (visible sinking of the area just above the breastbone during inhalation) can be associated with upper airway obstruction but are not typical findings in asthma.
D. Nonproductive cough, wheezing
Asthma often presents with a nonproductive cough and wheezing. Wheezing is a common characteristic of asthma due to narrowed airways.
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