A nurse in a pediatric unit is planning care for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to use the Crying, Requires oxygen, Increased vital signs, Expression, Sleeplessness (CRIES) pain scale?

Choice A reason: This response demonstrates empathy and active listening. It acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment and opens the door for further discussion about their concerns. It is a therapeutic communication technique that helps build rapport and trust between the nurse and the client. When a client feels understood, it can reduce their anxiety and promote a sense of safety, which may improve their ability to sleep and concentrate.

Choice B reason: While it is important for clients to communicate with their healthcare providers, this response might make the client feel dismissed or that their immediate concerns are not being addressed by the nurse. It could be perceived as deflecting the responsibility to someone else, rather than the nurse providing support at that moment.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to self-reflect on the reasons for their anxiety could be helpful, but it might also be overwhelming for them if they are already in a heightened state of anxiety. This question should be asked with caution and at an appropriate time when the client is more likely to engage in productive self-reflection.

Choice D reason: This statement minimizes the client's experience by suggesting that their problem is common and insignificant. It fails to acknowledge the severity of the client's distress and does not offer any comfort or assistance. It is not a therapeutic response because it does not validate the client's feelings or encourage further communication.

Choice A reason: While providing a newborn's first bath, there is minimal risk of exposure to infectious fluids that would necessitate eye protection. However, standard precautions should always be followed.

Choice B reason: When giving personal care to an infant who is HIV-positive, standard precautions should be followed, which includes wearing gloves. Eye protection is not typically required unless there is a risk of splashing bodily fluids.

Choice C reason: Suctioning secretions from a child's newly placed tracheostomy tube requires eye protection because there is a high risk of secretions being expelled forcefully, which could contact the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Choice D reason: Withdrawing cord blood from a neonate generally does not require eye protection unless there is a risk of blood splatter. Standard precautions, including the use of gloves, should be sufficient.

Choice E reason: Transporting a cerebrospinal fluid specimen to the laboratory does not require the nurse to wear eye protection. However, the nurse should ensure that the specimen is sealed properly to prevent any leaks.