The nurse caring for the child in pain understands that ...

[Lisaclaire]

The nurse caring for the child in pain understands that distraction:
 
  a. Can give total pain relief to the child.
  b. Is effective when the child is in severe pain.
  c. Is the best method for pain relief.
  d. Must be developmentally appropriate to refocus attention.

Question 2

What medication is the most effective choice for treating pain associated with sickle cell crisis in a newly admitted 5-year-old child?
 
  a. Morphine c. Ibuprofen
  b. Acetaminophen d. Midazolam

[josephsuarez]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Distraction can be very effective in helping to control pain; however, it must be appropriate to the child's developmental level. Distraction can help control pain, but it is rarely able to provide total pain relief. Children in severe pain are not distractible. Children may use distraction to help control pain, although it is not the best method for pain relief.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Opioids, such as morphine, are the preferred drugs for the management of acute, severe pain, including postoperative pain, post-traumatic pain, pain from vaso-occlusive crisis, and chronic cancer pain. Acetaminophen provides only mild analgesic relief and is not appropriate for a newly admitted child with sickle cell crisis. Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used primarily for pain associated with inflammation. It is appropriate for mild to moderate pain, but it is not adequate for this patient. Midazolam (Versed) is a short-acting drug used for conscious sedation, for preoperative sedation, and as an induction agent for general anesthesia.