A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old infant who is 12 hours postoperative following a myringotomy. Which of the following pain rating scales should the nurse use?

Choice A rationale:
Gently lift the traction weights off the floor when repositioning the client. Rationale: This choice is not recommended in the care of a client in skeletal traction. Traction weights should never be lifted off the floor as they provide the necessary counter traction to align and immobilize the fractured bone. Lifting the weights could disrupt the traction and jeopardize the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Reduce intake of foods containing fiber while nonambulatory. Rationale: While constipation can be a concern for clients in skeletal traction due to decreased mobility, reducing fiber intake is not the appropriate intervention. Adequate fiber intake is important to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Hydration and mobility exercises are more suitable approaches to manage constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to the affected extremity every 2 hours. Rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises are important to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy in a nonambulatory client. However, performing these exercises every 2 hours might be excessive and could cause unnecessary discomfort for the client. Range-of-motion exercises are usually done every 4 to 8 hours to strike a balance between maintaining joint health and providing rest.
Choice D rationale:
Apply protective padding to the end of the pin sites. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Applying protective padding to the end of the pin sites is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers and infection. The pin sites are potential entry points for bacteria, and protecting them helps reduce the risk of infection. Padding also prevents pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the potential for pressure injuries.

Choice A rationale:
"Provide your child with long-term goals to increase self-esteem." While setting long-term goals can indeed contribute to increasing a child's self-esteem, this choice may not be the most directly related to promoting a child's learning, especially for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD often struggle with attention and focus, and setting long-term goals might not address their immediate needs in terms of learning strategies.
Choice B rationale:
"Offer your child frequent breaks in activity during the day." Children with ADHD often benefit from frequent breaks in activities to help manage their attention and energy levels. These breaks can help prevent mental fatigue, increase focus, and enhance overall learning. This choice is appropriate for promoting the child's learning and is often recommended as part of ADHD management strategies.
Choice C rationale:
"Administer your child's medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia." This statement is not necessarily accurate for all medications used to treat ADHD. Some ADHD medications can indeed cause insomnia as a side effect, but the timing of medication administration can vary based on the specific medication and the child's individual response. It's essential for parents to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication timing.
Choice D rationale:
"Schedule a different routine for your child each day." Children with ADHD often benefit from consistent routines and schedules, as they provide structure and predictability, which can help manage their symptoms. Introducing a different routine each day could actually exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging for the child to focus and engage in learning activities.