The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child during a long ...

[bobypop]

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child during a long hospitalization. The parent is concerned about how to support the child's siblings during the hospitalization. What statement is appropriate for the nurse to make?
 
  a. You should choose one parent to spend every night in the hospital while the other parent stays at home with the other children.
  b. You could leave your hospitalized child for periods at night to be at home with the other children.
  c. You should discourage the siblings from visiting because this could upset everyone in the family.
  d. You could encourage a nightly phone call between the siblings as part of the bedtime routine.

Question 2

A 6-year-old is being discharged home, which is 90 miles from the hospital, after an outpatient hernia repair. In addition to explicit discharge instructions, what should the nurse provide?
 
  a. An ambulance for transport home
  b. Verbal information about follow-up care
  c. Prescribed pain medication before discharge
  d. Driving instructions for a route with less traffic

[stallen]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A supportive measure for siblings of a hospitalized child is to have a routine of a phone call at some point during the day or evening so the parent at the hospital can stay in touch and the children at home are involved and can hear that their sibling is doing well. Parents should alternate who stays at the hospital overnight to prevent burnout and to allow each parent time at home with the siblings. Encourage siblings to visit if appropriate to keep the family unit intact. Leaving the hospitalized child alone at night will not support the siblings at home and may cause problems with the hospitalized child.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The nurse should anticipate that the child will begin experiencing pain on the trip home. By providing a dose of oral analgesia, the nurse can ensure the child remains comfortable during the trip. Transport by ambulance is not indicated for a hernia repair. Discharge instructions should be written. The parents will be focusing on their child and returning home, which limits their ability to retain information. The parents should know the most expedient route home.

[bobypop]

TYSM

[recede]

Excellent