Author Question: Which assessment indicates to a nurse that a 2-year-old child is in need of pain medication? a. ... (Read 113 times)

asd123 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Which assessment indicates to a nurse that a 2-year-old child is in need of pain medication?

a. The child is restless and guarding the painful site.
b. The child's current vital signs are consistent with vital signs over the past 4 hours.
c. The child is quieted when held and cuddled.
d. The child has just returned from the recovery room and is crying.

Question 2

Which statement indicates a nurse's lack of understanding about the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) therapy?

a. Children as young as 3 years old can effec-tively and successfully use a PCA pump.
b. Two registered nurses (RNs) are required to double check the dosage and programmed administration of opioids.
c. The child should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of overmedication with opioids.
d. Naloxone (Narcan) should be readily available.

smrtceo · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Behaviors such as generalized restlessness, guarding the site, and touching the painful area are signs of pain in the toddler. Current vital signs that are consistent with earlier vital signs do not suggest that the child is feeling pain. Response to comforting behaviors does not suggest the child is feeling pain. Crying in a child who is returning from the recovery room may not be indicative of pain. The child may just be fearful or having anxiety because of the strange surroundings and having just completed surgery.

Answer to Question 2

A
Children as young as 5 years old have effectively used PCA therapy. Further data are needed to evaluate the use of PCA therapy in children younger than 5 years of age. Two RNs are needed to check the amount of opioid being administered. Once the opioid infusion is hung and programmed, a second RN must double check the process. Children receiving PCA therapy should be monitored closely to ensure effective pain control and for signs or symptoms of overmedication. Initially, vital signs should be monitored every 15 to 30 minutes and then every 2 to 4 hours. Respiratory rate should be assessed every hour. Narcan should be readily available to reverse opioid overmedication exhibited by respiratory distress.