The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is demonstrating signs of pain. Which technique will the nurse use to best assess pain in this child?

Choice A reason: Meditation does not alter the chemical composition of pain neuroregulators. The gate control theory posits that non-painful stimuli, like meditation, modulate pain signals in the spinal cord. This statement inaccurately describes the mechanism, as meditation affects neural gating, not chemical changes, making it incorrect.

Choice B reason: Meditation does not stop pain stimuli from occurring; it modulates pain perception. The gate control theory explains how cognitive techniques like meditation reduce pain signal transmission, not eliminate the stimulus. This statement misrepresents the theory’s mechanism, making it an incorrect reflection of understanding.

Choice C reason: Meditation does not open the pain gate or promote sleeping through pain. The gate control theory suggests meditation closes the gate, reducing pain signals. Opening the gate would increase pain perception, contradicting the theory’s principles, making this an incorrect understanding of meditation’s role.

Choice D reason: Meditation controls pain by blocking pain impulses, as per the gate control theory. It activates non-painful stimuli, closing the spinal “gate” to reduce pain signal transmission to the brain. This statement accurately reflects how meditation modulates pain perception, demonstrating correct understanding of the theory.

Choice A reason: Caring touch involves physical contact to convey empathy, like holding a hand. The nurse leaves the room without touching the patient or family, overwhelmed by grief. This action does not involve physical contact or comfort, making it unrelated to caring touch in this scenario.

Choice B reason: Therapeutic touch is a healing technique using energy fields, not applicable here. The nurse’s departure due to emotional overwhelm does not involve physical or energetic interaction with the family or patient, focusing instead on self-preservation, making this an incorrect type of touch.

Choice C reason: Task-oriented touch involves physical contact for procedures, like taking a pulse. The nurse’s action of leaving the room is not task-related or physical. It reflects an emotional response to grief, not a clinical task, making this an incorrect description of the nurse’s behavior.

Choice D reason: Protective touch describes actions to shield oneself or others from emotional distress, like withdrawing from overwhelming situations. The nurse, overwhelmed by the family’s grief, leaves the room to cope, demonstrating protective touch by prioritizing emotional self-preservation, making this the correct description.