The nurse is caring for a child who weighs 75 lb. The medication ordered for the child has a therapeutic dosage range of 33 mg/kg per day to 48 mg/kg per day. The medication ordered is to be given 4 times per day. Which dosages would be appropriate for the nurse to administer to this child in one dose?

Choice A reason: Observing for physical signs like grimacing or guarding ensures accurate pain assessment, as a 10-year-old may underreport pain. This aligns with pediatric pain assessment protocols, making it the prioritized intervention to verify the child’s claim of no pain post-appendectomy accurately.

Choice B reason: A color pain scale relies on the child’s verbal report, which may be unreliable if he’s minimizing pain. Observing physical signs is more objective, making this secondary and incorrect compared to the nurse’s priority of assessing for hidden pain in the post-surgical child.

Choice C reason: Explaining to the caregiver assumes no pain without objective assessment, risking missed discomfort. Observing physical signs confirms the child’s status, making this premature and incorrect compared to the nurse’s role in thoroughly assessing pain in the 10-year-old post-appendectomy.

Choice D reason: Asking the child to report pain later depends on his willingness, which may be inconsistent. Observing physical signs provides immediate data, making this passive and incorrect compared to the nurse’s priority of actively assessing for pain in the child post-appendectomy procedure.

Choice A reason: Stating vegetarian diets are unhealthy and teens are too immature dismisses the viability of well-planned vegetarianism, which can meet nutritional needs. Emphasizing diverse plant-based foods ensures balanced nutrition, making this overly restrictive and incorrect for addressing the parent’s concern about the adolescent’s vegetarian diet.

Choice B reason: Requiring lacto-ovo vegetarianism assumes eggs and dairy are essential, but vegan diets with soy substitutes can suffice. Recommending whole grains, legumes, and nuts addresses broader nutrient needs, making this less inclusive and incorrect compared to supporting a flexible, balanced vegetarian diet for the teen.

Choice C reason: Vegetarian diets, when including whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy substitutes, provide adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals for teens. This response reassures the parent while offering practical guidance, aligning with pediatric nutrition guidelines, making it the prioritized choice for ensuring proper nutrition on a vegetarian diet.

Choice D reason: Suggesting protein drinks and megavitamins implies vegetarian diets are inherently deficient, which is unnecessary with proper food choices. Whole grains and legumes meet nutritional needs naturally, making this overly reliant on supplements and incorrect compared to promoting a balanced vegetarian diet for the adolescent.