A nursing student asks how excessive noise and sensory overload ...

[arivle123]

A nursing student asks how excessive noise and sensory overload could cause feelings of panic in hospitalized children. Which response by the registered nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Children are frightened by all the activity in the intensive care unit.
  B.
  Excessive noise irritates the inner ear, which leads to behavior changes.
  C.
  It's just the body's natural way of dealing with unfamiliar stimuli.
  D.
  Stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to secretion of stress hormones.

Question 2

A nurse is working with a student in the pediatric intensive care unit. The student reports that a 3-year-old patient looks very anxious, and the parents report that this behavior is not normal for her and she seems disoriented.
 
  Which action suggested by the registered nurse is the most appropriate?
  A.
  Assess the child for sensory overload.
  B.
  Encourage the child to take a short nap.
  C.
  Have the parents leave for a short break.
  D.
  Plan age-appropriate diversionary activities.

[kaylee05]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Sensory overload and excessive noise stimulate the adrenal glands, which secrete the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to activation of the fight-or-flight response. This response can lead to feelings of panic. Children may well be frightened by all the activity in the unit, but this is not the best explanation. Excessive noise may well irritate the child's ears, but this does not lead to behavior problems. Stating that this is just the body's natural way of dealing with stress does not provide any specific information.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Sensory overload is a common finding in the pediatric intensive care unit. Manifestations of this finding include lethargy, behavioral changes, disorientation, panic, withdrawal, hallucinations, fear, and anxiety. The student (and nurse) should assess the child for sensory overload. Regular sleep-wake cycles can help diminish stress, but a short nap would not alleviate these symptoms. Having the parents leave is not consistent with family-centered care. Diversionary activities are always appropriate for hospitalized children, but, again, will not diminish the symptoms.

[arivle123]

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