The 2-year-old child comes to the emergency department with a ...

[oliviahorn72]

The 2-year-old child comes to the emergency department with a laceration to the lower leg. The physician plans to use a local anesthetic, but the child screams at the sight of the needle. What is the best action by the nurse?
 
  1. Wrap the child in a blanket to restrain him and ensure safety during suturing.
  2. Rub a local anesthetic cream on the skin so the child will not feel the needle.
  3. Administer a small dose of a medication such as lorazepam (Ativan).
  4. Ask the parents to leave the room so the child will quiet down.

Question 2

The patient is in Stage 2 of general anesthesia. What are the priority nursing interventions at this time?
 
  1. Assist the anesthesiologist in repositioning the patient.
  2. Complete the surgical scrub.
  3. Keep the environment quiet and calm.
  4. Insert the Foley catheter.

[joechoochoy]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: The child will be more cooperative if there isn't any pain from an injection. There isn't any indication to administer lorazepam (Ativan). Restraining the child will terrify him and is not indicated at this time. The presence of parents usually decreases a child's anxiety and increases cooperation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The patient is hyperexcitable in Stage 2 of anesthesia so the environment must be kept quiet to minimize stimulation. It is not appropriate to reposition the patient during Stage 2 of anesthesia. It is not appropriate to insert a Foley catheter during Stage 2 of anesthesia. It is not appropriate to complete the surgical scrub during Stage 2 of anesthesia.

[oliviahorn72]

Excellent

[jackie]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it