Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

2. The nurse understands that blocks to therapeutic communication include what? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Socializing
• B. All are applicable
• C. Using clichés
• D. Defending a situation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Socializing, using clichés, and defending a situation are all barriers to effective therapeutic communication. Silence is a useful tool in therapeutic communication.

3. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Constipation
• C. Appendicitis
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

4. The clinic nurse is instructing parents about caring for a toddler with ascariasis (common roundworm). Which statement made by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will wash our hands often, especially after diaper changes
• B. We know that roundworm can be transmitted from person to person
• C. We will be sure to continue the nitazoxanide (Alinia) orally for 3 days
• D. We will bring a stool sample to the clinic for examination in 2 weeks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Roundworm (ascariasis) is typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil, not directly from person to person. This statement indicates a misunderstanding requiring clarification.

5. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child in the postoperative period. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for assessing pain intensity in a 2-year-old?

• A. Poker chip tool
• B. Oucher Scale
• C. Faces Pain Rating Scale
• D. FLACC Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The FLACC Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale is the most suitable tool for assessing pain in 2-year-old children postoperatively. It assesses pain by evaluating facial expression, leg movement, activity, cry, and consolability, making it effective for non-verbal children. The Poker chip tool is not appropriate for this age group. The Oucher Scale and Faces Pain Rating Scale are more suitable for older children who can self-report pain levels.

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