Samantha, age 5 years, tells the nurse that she needs a Band-Aid ...

[saraeharris]

Samantha, age 5 years, tells the nurse that she needs a Band-Aid where she had an injection. Which is the best nursing action?
 
  a. Apply a Band-Aid.
  b. Ask her why she wants a Band-Aid.
  c. Explain why a Band-Aid is not needed.
  d. Show her that the bleeding has already stopped.

Question 2

Latasha, age 8 years, is being admitted to the hospital from the emergency department with an injury from falling off her bicycle. Which will help her most in her adjustment to the hospital?
 
  a. Explain hospital schedules to her, such as mealtimes.
  b. Use terms such as honey and dear to show a caring attitude.
  c. Explain when parents can visit and why siblings cannot come to see her.
  d. Orient her parents, because she is young, to her room and hospital facility.

[mirabriestensky]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Children at this age group still fear that their insides may leak out at the injection site. Provide the Band-Aid. No explanation should be required. The nurse should be prepared to apply a small Band-Aid after the injection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
School-age children need to have control of their environment. The nurse should offer explanations or prepare the child for those experiences that are unavailable. The nurse should refer to the child by the preferred name. Explaining when parents can visit and why siblings cannot come to see her is telling the child all of the limitations, not helping her adjust to the hospital. At the age of 8 years, the child should be oriented to the environment along with the parents.