A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is experiencing pain. Which of the following assessment techniques will provide the nurse with the most accurate information regarding the child's pain?

Choice A reason: Assessing vital signs every 4 hours is important, but it is not specific to the care of an infant post-cardiac catheterization. Vital signs should be monitored according to the infant's condition and hospital policy.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the color of the affected extremity is crucial after cardiac catheterization to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could indicate a vascular injury or thrombosis at the catheterization site.

Choice C reason: Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status for 8 hours may be necessary before the procedure, but post-catheterization care typically includes gradual reintroduction of fluids and then food as tolerated.

Choice D reason: Keeping the affected extremity flexed is not recommended post-cardiac catheterization. The limb should be kept straight to avoid bending at the catheterization site, which could lead to bleeding or clot formation.

Choice A reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment. While important, they are not the primary precaution for pertussis.

Choice B reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through the air over long distances, such as tuberculosis. Pertussis does not typically require airborne precautions.

Choice C reason: Protective precautions are used to protect immunocompromised patients from being infected by others. This is not applicable for a child with pertussis, who is the source of infection.

Choice D reason: Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through large droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, making droplet precautions the appropriate choice.