The emergency department nurse is cleaning multiple facial ...

[Sufayan.ah]

The emergency department nurse is cleaning multiple facial abrasions on 9-year-old Mike. His mother is present. He is crying and screaming loudly. The nurse should:
 
  a. Ask him to be quieter.
  b. Have his mother tell him to relax.
  c. Tell him it is okay to cry and scream.
  d. Suggest that he talk to his mother instead of crying.

Question 2

Katie, 4 years old, is admitted to outpatient surgery for removal of a cyst on her foot. Her mother puts the hospital gown on her, but Katie is crying because she wants to leave on her underpants. The most appropriate nursing action is to:
 
  a. Allow her to wear her underpants.
  b. Discuss with her mother why this is important to Katie.
  c. Ask her mother to explain to her why she cannot wear them.
  d. Explain in a kind, matter-of-fact manner that this is hospital policy.

[aruss1303]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The child should be allowed to express feelings of anger, anxiety, fear, frustration, or any other emotion. The child needs to know that it is all right to cry. There is no reason for him to be quieter. He is too upset and needs to be able to express his feelings.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
It is appropriate for the child to leave her underpants on. This allows her some measure of control during the foot surgery. The mother should not be required to make the child more upset. Katie is too young to understand what hospital policy means.