A 3-year-old boy with encephalitis is scheduled for a lumbar ...

[jazziefee]

A 3-year-old boy with encephalitis is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. Which of the following actions by the nurse would demonstrate atraumatic care?
 
  A) Using EMLA prior to lumbar puncture
  B) Having his anxious mother stay in the waiting room
  C) Explaining, using medical terms, what will happen
  D) Starting the child's intravenous infusion in his room

Question 2

A new mother is changing the diaper of her 20-hour-old newborn and asks why the stool is almost black. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
 
  A) You probably took iron during your pregnancy.
  B) This is meconium stool, normal for a newborn.
  C) I'll take a sample and check it for possible bleeding.
  D) This is unusual and I need to report this.

[gasdhashg]

Answer to Question 1

A
Response:
Using EMLA prior to the lumbar puncture reduces the pain associated with the procedure and is an example of atraumatic care. The presence of a parent during procedures is supportive for the child and should be encouraged because it can reduce stress. The explanation of what will happen should be given on the child's level. The IV should not be started in the child's hospital room, which should remain a safe area.

Answer to Question 2

B
Response:
Meconium is greenish-black and tarry and usually passed within 12 to 24 hours of birth. This is a normal finding. Iron can cause stool to turn black, but this would not be the case here. The stool is a normal occurrence and does not need to be checked for blood or reported.

[jazziefee]

Excellent

[momolu]

Great answer, keep it coming