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 C
Explanation
Choice C reason: The correct answer is choice C, "I need to use my levalbuterol inhaler before I exercise.” This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching because using the levalbuterol inhaler before exercise is a preventive measure for asthma symptoms. Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that helps to relax the airway muscles and improve breathing. By using it before exercise, the client can prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and reduce the risk of asthma symptoms during physical activity.
Choice A reason:
The statement "I will wait 15 seconds between puffs when using my levalbuterol inhaler” is incorrect. The recommended wait time between puffs of a levalbuterol inhaler is typically 30- 60 seconds to allow the medication to be fully absorbed and work effectively. Waiting only 15 seconds might not provide the desired therapeutic effect.
Choice B reason:
The statement "I need to use my fluticasone inhaler when I start to wheeze during exercise” is incorrect. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, not for immediate relief during wheezing episodes. The client should use the fluticasone inhaler daily as prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms, including wheezing, from occurring in the first place.
Choice D reason:
The statement "I will stop using my fluticasone inhaler if I experience restlessness” is incorrect. Fluticasone is a long-term controller medication, and abruptly stopping it can lead to uncontrolled asthma symptoms and potentially exacerbate the condition. Restlessness might be a side effect of the medication, but it is not a reason to discontinue its use. If the client experiences any concerning side effects, they should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Abdominal distention. Choice A reason:
Abdominal distention is a common manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease in infants. This condition is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal segment of the colon, leading to a functional obstruction. The absence of ganglion cells causes the affected part of the colon to become narrow and unable to relax, resulting in a buildup of stool and gas, leading to abdominal distention.
Choice B reason:
Steatorrhea, which is the presence of fatty, bulky, and foul-smelling stools, is not typically associated with Hirschsprung's disease. This manifestation is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the pancreas, liver, or small intestine, where the digestion and absorption of fats are impaired.
Choice C reason:
Blood-tinged emesis (vomiting) is not a typical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. This symptom is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be caused by various factors such as ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastritis.
Choice D reason:
Dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing, is also not a characteristic manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. Dysphagia is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the esophagus or throat, such as esophageal strictures or neurological disorders affecting swallowing reflexes.
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