A 4-year-old girl is admitted to outpatient surgery for removal ...

[Medesa]

A 4-year-old girl is admitted to outpatient surgery for removal of a cyst on her back. Her mother puts the hospital gown on her, but the child is crying because she wants to leave on her underpants. What is the most appropriate nursing action at this time
 
  a. Allow her to wear her underpants.
  b. Discuss with her mother why this is important to the child.
  c. Ask her mother to explain to her why she cannot wear them.
  d. Explain in a kind, matter-of-fact manner that this is hospital policy.

Question 2

The nurse needs to take the blood pressure of a preschool boy for the first time. What action would be best in gaining his cooperation
 
  a. Tell him that this procedure will help him get well faster.
  b. Take his blood pressure when a parent is there to comfort him.
  c. Explain to him how the blood flows through the arm and why the blood pressure is important.
  d. Permit him to handle the equipment and see the cuff inflate and deflate before putting the cuff in place.

[Joc]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
It is appropriate for the child to leave her underpants on. If necessary, the underpants can be removed after she has received the initial medications for anesthesia. This allows her some measure of control in this procedure. The mother should not be required to make the child more upset. The child is too young to understand what hospital policy means.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A preschooler is at the stage of preoperational thought. The nurse needs to explain the procedure in simple terms and allow the child to see how the equipment works. This will help allay fears of bodily harm. Blood pressure measurement is used for assessment, not therapy, and will not help him get well faster. Although the parent will be able to support the child, he may still be uncooperative. Also, the assessment of blood pressure may be needed before the parent is available. Explaining to a preschooler how the blood flows through the artery and why the blood pressure is important is too complex.

[Medesa]

Thank you

[Joc]

Happy to help you