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 nurse should provide the client with a carbonated beverage as a nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce pain from intestinal gas. Carbonated beverages, like soda or sparkling water, can help alleviate gas by promoting burping, which releases trapped gas from the digestive system. The effervescence of the carbonated drink can help relieve the discomfort caused by accumulated gas, offering relief to the client.
Choice B reason:
Encouraging the client to lie on their right side is not an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for reducing pain from intestinal gas. Although positioning can sometimes aid in relieving discomfort, lying on the right side does not specifically target the reduction of gas. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to ambulate is a beneficial nonpharmacologic intervention for various post-operative conditions. However, when it comes to reducing pain from intestinal gas, it may not be as effective as other options. While movement can aid in gas passage through the digestive system, it might not be the most immediate or direct solution for alleviating the client's discomfort.
Choice D reason:
Providing the client with straws for beverages does not directly address the issue of intestinal gas. It is an unrelated intervention and may not provide any significant relief for the client's discomfort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) class, which includes aspirin. Since the client reports an allergy to aspirin, there is a risk of cross- reactivity, leading to a potential allergic reaction. Therefore, Ibuprofen should be avoided.
Choice B reason:
Acetaminophen - Acetaminophen is not an NSAID, and it works differently from aspirin. It is a safe option for the client in the postpartum period to manage pain without causing a cross- reaction with their aspirin allergy. Acetaminophen primarily acts on the central nervous system to reduce pain and fever, making it suitable for the client.
Choice C reason:
Naproxen - Naproxen is also an NSAID, and like Ibuprofen, it carries the risk of cross-reactivity in someone allergic to aspirin. Therefore, Naproxen should be avoided in this client.
Choice D reason:
Celecoxib - Celecoxib is a type of NSAID known as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. Although it is a bit more selective and generally considered to have a lower risk of causing cross-reactions, it is still an NSAID and not recommended for someone with a known aspirin allergy. Hence, Celecoxib should not be administered to the client in this scenario.
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