A nurse is assessing a child’s pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
The child rates their pain as ‘7’ on the scale.
Based on this rating, how should the nurse interpret the child’s pain intensity?
The child is experiencing moderate pain.
The child is experiencing severe pain.
The child is experiencing mild pain.
The child is not experiencing any pain.
The Correct Answer is A
The child is experiencing moderate pain.
Choice A rationale:
A rating of '7' on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) typically indicates moderate pain.
The NRS is commonly used to assess pain in individuals who can communicate their pain level numerically.
The scale usually ranges from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst possible pain.
In this context, a score of 7 suggests that the child is experiencing moderate pain, as they have rated their pain above the midpoint of the scale.
Choice B rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS does not indicate severe pain.
Severe pain would usually be associated with a higher score, often closer to the upper limit of the scale (e.g., 9 or 10)
Therefore, choice B is not the correct interpretation in this case.
Choice C rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS is higher than what is typically considered mild pain.
Mild pain would typically be represented by a lower score, such as 1 to 3 on the NRS.
Therefore, choice C is not the correct interpretation.
Choice D rationale:
A rating of '7' on the NRS clearly indicates that the child is experiencing pain.
Choice D, which states that the child is not experiencing any pain, is not the correct interpretation based on the provided pain rating.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
If the child rates their pain as 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), this numerical value represents mild pain.
The NRS typically uses a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst pain imaginable.
A rating of 3 falls on the lower end of the scale, signifying mild discomfort or pain.
Choice B rationale:
An NRS rating of 3 is not considered moderate pain.
It is more in the range of mild pain.
Moderate pain would typically be rated higher on the scale, such as 4 to 6.
Choice C rationale:
An NRS rating of 3 is not indicative of severe pain.
Severe pain would typically be rated much higher on the scale, around 7 or higher.
Choice D rationale:
An NRS rating of 3 does not represent no pain.
It indicates the presence of pain, albeit at a relatively mild level.
A rating of 0 on the NRS would signify the absence of pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
I will observe your facial expression.”..
This statement is not appropriate for assessing pain in a non-verbal child using the FLACC Scale because it does not address the five behavioral indicators the scale measures.
The FLACC Scale assesses facial expression, leg movement, activity level, cry, and consolability.
Choice B rationale:
I will watch how you move your legs.”..
This statement is also not appropriate for using the FLACC Scale as it only focuses on one of the five behavioral indicators.
While leg movement is assessed, it's crucial to evaluate all indicators for a comprehensive pain assessment.
Choice C rationale:
I will note your activity level.”..
This statement is partially correct, as the FLACC Scale does assess activity level.
However, it does not cover all the indicators, and it's essential to mention the other components for a complete assessment.
Choice D rationale:
I will listen to your cry and observe your consolability.”..
This statement is the most appropriate choice.
The FLACC Scale rates five behavioral indicators, and this statement acknowledges two of them: cry and consolability.
A comprehensive assessment should include all five indicators for an accurate pain evaluation in non-verbal children.
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