A nurse needs to administer medication to a toddler. What action ...

[codyclark]

A nurse needs to administer medication to a toddler. What action by the nurse is most likely to gain cooperation from the child?
 
  A.
  Allow the child to negotiate a reward.
  B.
  Allow the parent to give the medication.
  C.
  Explain that medicine is not a punishment.
  D.
  Let the toddler self-administer the medicine.

Question 2

A child will be hospitalized in the following week. In order to decrease the child's and parents' stress related to the hospitalization, which action by the clinic nurse would be most helpful?
 
  A.
  Arrange for the family to visit the hospital and have a tour.
  B.
  Give the family written information on visiting hours.
  C.
  Introduce the family to another family whose child is hospitalized.
  D.
  Suggest the family take a break and not stay with the child.

[sultana.d]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A toddler may consider medicine to be a punishment and may resist taking it. Because the parent is a comforting figure for him or her, allowing the parent to administer the medication is a good option for the uncooperative child. Telling a child of this age that medicine is not a punishment is a good idea, but will not be as successful as letting the parent give it. Negotiation is the hallmark of the school-age child. Preschoolers may be able to self-administer medication with close supervision.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
There are several ways to decrease the stress of a planned hospitalization, one of which is to arrange a visit to the hospital where all involved can have a tour and visit the unit where the child will be staying. Written information is always good, but is not the best way to diminish stress.
Some families may be open to being introduced to others, but the nurse must take care to obtain permission first or risk a HIPAA violation. Parents are the main source of comfort for their children, so often a parent will stay with a hospitalized child.