Discharge planning for an 8-year-old child with a patched eye ...

[drink]

Discharge planning for an 8-year-old child with a patched eye after a corneal abrasion should include:
 
  a. removing the patch after 8 hours for instillation of antibiotic ointment.
  b. gently massaging the affected eye to prevent edema.
  c. instilling antibiotic ointment after patching for 24 hours.
  d. returning after 7 days of patching for reas-sessment.

Question 2

In which situation should the nurse address anxiety as a priority problem in planning care for the child and family?
 
  a. Twenty-four hour observation
  b. Emergency hospitalization
  c. Outpatient admission
  d. Rehabilitation admission

[peter]

Answer to Question 1

C
With severe abrasions, the eye should be patched and left undisturbed for 24 hours. After 24 hours, treatment with antibiotic ointment is started. Massaging the affected eye will increase the size of the abrasion and should be avoided. The child should return in 24 hours for reassessment if the eye is patched.

Answer to Question 2

B
Emergency hospitalization involves (1) limited time for preparation both for the child and family, (2) situations that cause fear for the family that the child may die or be permanently disabled, and (3) a high level of activity, which can foster further anxiety. Although preparation time may be limited with a 24-hour observation, this situation does not usually involve the acuteness of the situation and the high levels of anxiety associated with emergency admission. Outpatient admission generally involves preparation time for the family and child. Because of the lower level of acuteness in these settings, anxiety levels are not as high. Rehabilitation admission follows a serious illness or disease. This type of unit may resemble a home environment, which decreases the child's and family's anxiety.