A nurse is giving an intramuscular injection to a newborn who was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Which of the following pain scales should the nurse use to assess the newborn's pain?
Natal Infant Pa Scale PS
FACES pain rating scale
Premature infant Pain Profile (PIPP)
visual analog scale (VAS)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
A. Natal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS): The NIPS is a behavioral assessment tool designed for both preterm and full-term neonates. It evaluates six behavioral indicators in response to painful procedures. These indicators include changes in facial expression (such as grimacing, brow bulge, and eye squeeze), body movements (such as fisting, tremulousness, and limb withdrawal), and other signs of distressChoice B reason:
FACES pain rating scale The FACES pain rating scale should not be used because it is a visual scale that uses facial expressions to assess pain in children who can communicate using pictures of faces displaying different emotions. It is generally used for older children and not appropriate for newborns.
Choice C reason
Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP): The PIPP is another pain assessment tool specifically developed for preterm infants. It considers physiological and behavioral parameters, including facial expressions, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and gestational age. While useful for preterm infants, it may not be the best choice for full-term newborns.Since the newborn in this scenario was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation, the PIPP would be an appropriate pain assessment tool to use. It considers specific physiological and behavioural indicators of pain in newborns and helps healthcare providers evaluate and manage pain in this vulnerable population.
Choice D reason:
Visual analog scale (VAS) should not be used because the visual analog scale is a pain assessment tool typically used for older children, adolescents, and adults who can understand and provide a subjective rating of their pain intensity along a linear scale. It involves marking a point on the line corresponding to the level of pain experienced. Since newborns cannot communicate in this way, the VAS is not suitable for their pain assessment.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A playpen is a portable enclosure that provides a confined space for a child to play in. It can be useful for keeping a child safe and supervised when the caregiver is busy or needs a break, but it should not be used as a substitute for active play or interaction with the caregiver or others.
- A 2-year-old child is in the developmental stage of toddlerhood, which is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Toddlers are curious and eager to learn about the world around them, and they need opportunities to explore, experiment, and manipulate objects and materials. They also need stimulation, guidance, and feedback from their caregivers and peers to develop their language, problem-solving, and social skills.
- Keeping a 2-year-old child in a playpen for long periods of time or to prevent them from getting dirty can have negative effects on their development and well-being. It can limit their physical activity, creativity, and independence, and it can cause boredom, frustration, or resentment . It can also interfere with their atachment and bonding with their caregiver, as well as their self-esteem and self-image.
- Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) should use the statement "Children need time to actively explore their environment" in responding to this concern about using a playpen. This statement reflects the developmental needs and rights of the child, and it encourages the caregiver to provide a more stimulating and supportive environment for the child. It also implies that getting dirty is not a problem, but rather a natural and healthy part of play and learning.
- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, while options A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because it is judgmental and may offend or discourage the caregiver.
Option B is incorrect because it is not true that playpens provide a sense of security for the child, as they may feel isolated or restricted in them.
Option C is incorrect because it is not true that playpens provide a safe environment for a toddler, as they may pose hazards such as entrapment, suffocation, or injury from falling or climbing out of them.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.PRN (as needed) restraint prescriptions are not appropriate because restraints should only be used in situations where there is an immediate need for safety and all other methods of de-escalation have failed. Restraint use must be based on a current assessment of the client's behavior, and a specific prescription should be obtained each time restraints are applied.
B.Restraints should be removed every 2 hours to assess the client's skin, circulation, and range of motion, and to provide an opportunity for toileting, hydration, and movement. Prolonged use without breaks increases the risk of complications such as skin breakdown or impaired circulation.
C.Attach the restraint to the bed's side rails. Restraints should not be attached to the bed's side rails because it can lead to serious injuries if the client attempts to climb over the side rails while restrained. Instead, restraints should be attached to specific restraint ties or straps that are part of the bed frame.
D.The client's condition, including circulation, skin integrity, and behavior, should be monitored and documented every 15 minutes while restraints are in use. This frequent assessment helps ensure the client’s safety and comfort, and allows for early identification of potential complications.
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