Parent guidelines for relieving colic in an infant include: a. ...

[penza]

Parent guidelines for relieving colic in an infant include:
 
  a. Avoiding touching the abdomen.
  b. Avoiding using a pacifier.
  c. Changing the infant's position frequently.
  d. Placing the infant where the family cannot hear the crying.

Question 2

A mother tells the nurse that she doesn't want her infant immunized because of the discomfort associated with injections. The nurse should explain that:
 
  a. This cannot be prevented.
  b. Infants do not feel pain as adults do.
  c. This is not a good reason for refusing immunizations.
  d. A topical anesthetic, eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA), can be applied before injections are given.

[voltaire123]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Changing the infant's position frequently may be beneficial. The parent can walk holding the infant face down and with the infant's chest across the parent's arm. The parent's hand can support the infant's abdomen, applying gentle pressure. Gently massaging the abdomen is effective in some infants. Pacifiers can be used for meeting additional sucking needs. The infant should not be placed where monitoring cannot be done. The infant can be placed in the crib and allowed to cry. Periodically, the infant should be picked up and comforted.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Several topical anesthetic agents can be used to minimize the discomfort associated with immunization injections. These include EMLA and vapor coolant sprays. Pain associated with many procedures can be prevented or minimized by using the principles of atraumatic care. With preparation, the injection site can be properly anesthetized to decrease the amount of pain felt by the infant. Infants have the neural pathways to sense pain. Numerous research studies have indicated that infants perceive and react to pain in the same manner as do children and adults. The mother should be allowed to discuss her concerns and the alternatives available. This is part of the informed consent process.