A nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant who is postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to determine the infant's pain level?

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because having them share a room with a child with active mumps may expose them to infection and worsen their condition. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents has a weakened immune system and is more susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Therefore, they should be placed in a private room or cohorted with another immunosuppressed child.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because restricting oral fluids may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may have increased fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweating. Therefore, they should be encouraged to drink adequate fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because strict isolation may cause psychological distress and social isolation in the child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. A child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents may benefit from protective isolation, which involves using standard precautions and additional measures such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks, or eye protection when in contact with the child or their body fluids. However, strict isolation, which involves limiting visitors and activities, may harm the child's emotional and developmental well-being.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because using good handwashing is essential nursing care for a child who is immunosuppressed due to leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause infections. The nurse should wash their hands before and after touching the child or their belongings, and teach the child and their family members to do the same. The nurse should also use alcohol-based hand rubs when water and soap are not available.

Choice A: Contact precautions are not necessary for a child who has mumps, as mumps is not transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected person or their environment. Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by contact with skin, wounds, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces.

Choice B: Standard precautions are always used for any patient care, regardless of their diagnosis or infection status. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and proper disposal of waste and sharps. However, standard precautions alone are not sufficient for a child who has mumps, as mumps are transmitted by respiratory droplets.

Choice C: Airborne precautions are not necessary for a child who has mumps, as mumps are not transmitted by small particles that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others. Airborne precautions are used for infections that are spread by airborne transmission, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox.

Choice D: Droplet precautions are required for a child who has mumps, as mumps are transmitted by large respiratory droplets that are expelled when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Droplet precautions include wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient, placing the patient in a private room or cohorts with other patients with the same infection, and limiting visitors and staff who are susceptible to the infection.