A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a postpartum client about bathing her newborn.

Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

b. FLACC Scale.

Explanation: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) Scale is a pain assessment tool commonly used for infants and young children who are unable to self-report their pain. It assesses five categories of behavior: facial expression, leg movement, activity level, cry, and consolability. Each category is scored from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3, depending on the specific scale used. The scores are then totaled to provide an overall pain assessment.

The FACES Scale, also known as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, is a tool commonly used for children who can understand and self-report their pain. It consists of a series of faces with different expressions representing varying degrees of pain.

The Color tool is not a recognized pain rating tool. It may refer to an assessment of skin color, which can be used to assess oxygenation or circulation but not specifically for pain.

The Numeric scale is a pain rating tool that involves asking the individual to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. However, this scale may not be suitable for a 3-month-old infant who is unable to comprehend numbers or communicate effectively.

b. Seizure pads

Explanation:

The nurse should place seizure pads in the client's room when admitting a client with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is an infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain, leading to an increased risk of seizures.

Seizure pads are specifically designed to provide a cushioning and protective barrier between the client's head and the hard surface, reducing the risk of injury during a seizure. They are placed on the bed or matress to help prevent head trauma or other injuries that may occur if a seizure occurs.

Now, let's discuss why the other options are not necessary for the client with bacterial meningitis:

a. Oral irrigating device:

An oral irrigating device is not necessary for a client with bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis primarily affects the central nervous system and does not require oral care interventions. The focus of care for these clients is on managing the infection, monitoring vital signs, and providing supportive care.

c. Sterile gloves:

While sterile gloves are commonly used in healthcare settings, they are not specifically required for the care of a client with bacterial meningitis. Standard precautions, including the use of non-sterile gloves, are sufficient for providing care to these clients. Sterile gloves are typically used for invasive procedures or when there is a need to maintain a sterile field.

d. Tongue blade:

A tongue blade is not necessary for the care of a client with bacterial meningitis. Tongue blades are typically used for oral assessments or when examining the throat, which are not directly related to the management or treatment of bacterial meningitis. The focus of care for these clients is on infection control, monitoring for complications, and providing comfort and support.

In summary, when admitting a client with bacterial meningitis, the nurse should prioritize placing seizure pads in the client's room to ensure their safety during potential seizure activity.