As the nurse is getting Nathan ready for surgery, his doctor asked you to explain preemptive analgesic to Nathan’s mother. Which response leads you to believe his mother needs more teaching?
“I understand that preemptive analgesia is giving Nathan pain medication before he has pain and could be given before surgery.”
“This medication will control Nathan’s pain so he doesn’t feel anything.”
“Giving this medicine early may help prevent complications after surgery.”
“By controlling Nathan’s pain, he will be more comfortable and may be able to go home sooner.”
The Correct Answer is B
Preemptive analgesia is the administration of pain medication before the onset of pain, especially before surgery or procedures, to minimize pain intensity afterward. It aims to reduce central sensitization, improve comfort, and possibly shorten recovery time. However, it does not guarantee the patient will “feel nothing”, some discomfort may still occur, though it is usually less intense.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. “This medication will control Nathan’s pain so he doesn’t feel anything.” While preemptive analgesia can significantly reduce pain, it may not eliminate it completely. Pain perception varies, and additional postoperative pain management is often required.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. “I understand that preemptive analgesia is giving Nathan pain medication before he has pain and could be given before surgery.” This reflects the definition and timing of preemptive analgesia.
C. “Giving this medicine early may help prevent complications after surgery.” Effective early pain control can reduce complications such as shallow breathing, immobility, or delayed healing caused by uncontrolled pain.
D. “By controlling Nathan’s pain, he will be more comfortable and may be able to go home sooner.” Improved comfort can facilitate earlier mobilization and discharge.
Take home points
- Preemptive analgesia is given before pain starts, often before surgery.
- It aims to reduce pain severity and improve recovery outcomes.
- It does not guarantee complete absence of pain.
- Combining preemptive analgesia with ongoing multimodal pain management yields the best results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Pain assessment in infants relies on behavioral and physiologic indicators interpreted through validated tools. These tools help guide timely interventions, especially in nonverbal patients, ensuring pain is recognized and managed appropriately.
Rationale for correct answer:
C. NCCPC (Parent and health caregiver questionnaire assessing acute and chronic pain): Designed for nonverbal children, including those with cognitive impairments, using caregiver observations for both acute and chronic pain. Relies on input from parents and caregivers who know the child’s usual behaviors.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. CRIES (Crying, Requiring increased oxygen, Inability to console, Expression, and Sleeplessness): Used for neonates (0–6 months), especially postoperative, assessing pain through five observable indicators.
B. FLACC (child’s face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability): Suitable for infants and young children (2 months–7 years) who cannot self-report. Scores each category 0–2 for a total of 0–10.
D. NPASS (Neonatal pain, agitation, and sedation scale for infants from 3 to 6 months) This is validated for preterm and term neonates up to 100 days old. It evaluates both pain/agitation and sedation levels.
E. Numerical pain scale
Take home points
- CRIES is ideal for postoperative neonates.
- FLACC works well for infants through early childhood when self-report isn’t possible.
- NCCPC is useful for nonverbal or cognitively impaired children.
- NPASS is for neonates, including preterm infants, not older infants.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
After a painful or stressful procedure, emotional support and positive reinforcement are essential for young children. Providing comfort and a small reward, such as a sticker, helps reduce fear and build resilience for future healthcare experiences.
Rationale for correct answer:
D. Comforting the child and offering a sticker provides positive reinforcement and acknowledges the child’s bravery. This developmentally appropriate response helps the child associate medical procedures with support and care, rather than fear and punishment.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Telling a child that "big children are quiet" is shaming and dismissive. It implies that the child did something wrong by crying, which is a normal emotional reaction at this age.
B. Explaining why vaccines are given may be more appropriate before the procedure, but afterward, the child is likely focused on the pain or distress, not the rationale. At 5 years old, the child may not fully comprehend the explanation either.
C. Informing the child that the provider ordered the vaccine may seem like an attempt to deflect responsibility and does nothing to comfort or validate the child's feelings.
Take home points
- Preschool and early school-age children benefit from comfort, reassurance, and tangible rewards after stressful events.
- Crying is a normal, age-appropriate reaction to pain; it should not be shamed or discouraged.
- Focus post-procedure care on emotional recovery, not explanation or discipline.
- Positive reinforcement builds cooperation and trust in medical settings, making future encounters easier for both the child and the caregiver.
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