A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old client who is immediately postoperative. The client is nonverbal and has both cognitive and developmental delays. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to evaluate the client's pain?
FACES Scale.
Numerical scale.
FLACC pain assessment scale.
Visual analog scale.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
The FACES Scale is a visual pain scale typically used for children who can understand and verbalize their pain intensity. It consists of a series of faces with varying expressions, from smiling to crying, to help the child express their pain level. However, since the client in question is nonverbal and has cognitive and developmental delays, this scale may not be suitable as they might not be able to communicate using this tool effectively.
Choice B reason:
The Numerical Scale involves asking the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. While this scale is commonly used for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a nonverbal and developmentally delayed 9-year-old client, as they may not understand or be able to use numbers effectively to express their pain.
Choice C reason:
The FLACC pain assessment scale is designed for nonverbal or preverbal individuals, including children and those with cognitive impairments. FLACC stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Each category is scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3, depending on the version used, based on specific observed behaviors. The scores are then totaled to give an overall pain assessment. This scale is particularly suitable for the current client's condition as it focuses on observable behaviors rather than verbal communication.
Choice D reason:
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) requires the patient to mark a point along a line that represents their pain intensity, with one end indicating no pain and the other end indicating the worst pain. Although this scale is useful for older children and adults, it may not be appropriate for a 9-year-old client with cognitive and developmental delays who might not fully comprehend the concept of the scale.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: The correct answer is choice A. The nurse should expect the presence of the Moro reflex in a 6-month-old infant. The Moro reflex is a normal primitive reflex seen in infants up to about 6 months of age. When the infant experiences a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, they react by extending their arms and legs and then pulling them back in, as if trying to grasp onto something. This reflex is an important indicator of the baby's neurological development.
Choice B reason:
The birth weight doubling by 6 months of age is a typical growth milestone for infants. However, this statement is not correct in the context of the question, as it is not something the nurse should "expect” during a well-child visit. Instead, it is a general developmental milestone that healthcare providers monitor over time.
Choice C reason:
The correct answer is choice C. The nurse should expect the posterior fontanel to be closed in a 6-month-old infant. Fontanels are soft spots on a baby's skull that allow for brain growth during early development. The posterior fontanel, located at the back of the head, is typically closed by 6 months of age.
Choice D reason:
The correct answer is choice D. At 6 months of age, many infants can sit unsupported. However, not all infants achieve this milestone at the exact same age. Some may achieve it a bit earlier, while others might take a little more time. It is essential for the nurse to assess the infant's developmental progress and provide appropriate guidance to the parents.
Choice E:
The correct answer is choice E. By 6 months of age, some infants may be able to move from their back to their front. This is usually accomplished through rolling over. However, like other developmental milestones, the age at which infants achieve this can vary. Therefore, while the nurse may expect this ability in some infants, it is not something that all 6-month- old infants will have mastered at the time of the well-child visit.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Birth weight has doubled.
Choice A reason:
The nurse should not expect a positive Babinski sign in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. The Babinski sign is a reflex seen in infants up to about 1 year of age and disappears as the nervous system matures. Its presence in a 4-year-old would be abnormal and may indicate neurological issues.
Choice B reason:
The nurse should not expect birth height to double in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. While children do experience significant growth in their early years, it is unlikely that birth height will have doubled by the age of 4. Doubling of birth height would be an atypical finding.
Choice C reason:
The correct choice. The nurse should expect that the child's birth weight has doubled during a well-child visit. From birth to age 4, children typically experience substantial weight gain, and doubling of birth weight is a common milestone in healthy development.
Choice D reason:
The nurse should not expect the presence of permanent teeth in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Permanent teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 years of age and continue to erupt over the following years. The appearance of permanent teeth at age 4 would be premature and unusual.
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