Author Question: A mother brings her severely disabled child to the pediatric clinic with complaints that the child ... (Read 106 times)

michelleunicorn · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A mother brings her severely disabled child to the pediatric clinic with complaints that the child has his fourth upper respiratory infection in 3 months. The mother appears disheveled and fatigued. What action by the nurse is best?

A.
Ask the mother when the last time she ate or bathed was.
B.
Inquire as to the whereabouts of the child's father.
C.
Make a referral to the visiting nurses for a home evaluation.
D.
Offer the mother information on local respite care options.

Question 2

A student nurse on the pediatric floor finds a patient in pain and gives the child some toys to play with. The registered nurse asks why the student did not medicate the child.

The student states that because the child was easily distracted, it did not appear that the child needed pain medication. What action by the registered nurse is most appropriate?
A.
Give the child some pain medication.
B.
Have the student reassess the child's pain.
C.
Instruct the student to take the child's vital signs.
D.
Thank the student for distracting the child.

gabrielle_lawrence · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The mother may have caregiver fatigue, and opening up a discussion about respite care may be very helpful. Asking about hygiene, eating, and the whereabouts of the child's father all sound judgmental, although these questions could be gently included in a discussion of caregiver fatigue. Having the visiting nurses conduct a home visit to evaluate possible environmental causes of the child's frequent respiratory infections may be needed, but it is too premature at this point.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
It is a myth that a child who can be distracted is not in pain; distraction serves as a coping mechanism. The nurse should have the student do a comprehensive pain assessment on the patient and then medicate the patient appropriately. Just giving the child pain medication without assessment does not follow the nursing process, nor does it teach the student anything. Vital signs do not always change with pain. Of course the nurse should compliment the student on things done to comfort the child, but this is not the best response.