A new nurse caring for a toddler in pain after a procedure is ...

[drink]

A new nurse caring for a toddler in pain after a procedure is reluctant to medicate the child for fear of causing a respiratory arrest. What action by the nurse's preceptor is best?
 
  A.
  Agree about withholding medication and teach some distraction techniques.
  B.
  Explain that pain has detrimental health effects and needs treatment.
  C.
  Have the new nurse get naloxone (Narcan) and place it at the child's bedside.
  D.
  Tell the new nurse to give the child analgesics and not worry about respiratory arrest.

Question 2

A 66-lb child complains of mild pain after a procedure. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Administer 0.3 mg of naloxone (Narcan) every 4 hours orally if needed.
  B.
  Administer 300 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) orally and provide a movie to watch.
  C.
  Administer 450 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) orally every 3 hours as requested.
  D.
  Administer morphine sulfate (Astromorph) 9 mg orally every 4 hours if needed.

[pallen55]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Pain has both detrimental physical and psychosocial effects and must be treated. It is a myth that analgesics (especially narcotics) are dangerous to give children. The other options will not treat the child's pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
For mild pain, acetaminophen and other mild analgesics work well along with a distraction or other comfort measures. The most appropriate choice is 300 mg of acetaminophen (within the dose range of 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours) and a movie to distract the child. Naloxone (Narcan) is a reversal agent for opioid analgesics and is not warranted in this situation. A dose of 450 mg of acetaminophen is appropriate, but the frequency is wrong. Morphine (Astromorph) would not be used for mild discomfort.