A nurse is preparing to administer an oral elixir to a 3-month-old infant using an oral medication syringe.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale

Performing the most invasive assessment first can cause distress and fear in a preschooler. It’s generally recommended to start with less invasive procedures to build trust and cooperation.

Choice B rationale

Separating a child from their caregiver during an examination can cause anxiety and fear. It’s often beneficial to have the caregiver present during the examination to provide comfort and reassurance.

Choice C rationale

Allowing a child to role-play using miniature equipment can help alleviate fears and anxieties about the examination. It gives the child a sense of control and understanding of what to expect.

Choice D rationale

While it’s important to explain procedures to a child, using medical terminology can confuse and scare them. It’s better to use simple, age-appropriate language that the child can understand.

Choice A rationale

The FACES pain scale is typically used for children who are at least 3 years old. It requires the child to compare their pain to a series of faces ranging from smiling to crying.

Choice B rationale

The Word-Graphic Rating Scale is typically used for older children and adolescents who can read and understand the descriptive words associated with each level of pain.

Choice C rationale

The FLACC pain scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is appropriate for assessing pain in a 3-month-old infant. It is often used for children under 3 years old or those who are unable to verbally communicate their pain.

Choice D rationale

The Oucher pain scale is typically used for children aged 3 to 13 years. It includes a series of photographs of children’s faces and a numerical scale for older children.