The client is a 7-year-old with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) admitted to pre-op for heel cord lengthening. Child has cognitive and speech delays. Experiences absent seizures numerous times daily according to parent. The nurse is developing the plan of care for the child.
To provide atraumatic care for this child post-operatively, what will be a priority?
Pain assessments
Antibiotics
Occupational therapy
Wound care
Physical therapy
The Correct Answer is A
Assessing and managing pain is a crucial aspect of providing atraumatic care for any post-operative patient, including a child with spastic cerebral palsy. It is important to monitor and assess the child's pain levels regularly to ensure their comfort and
well-being. Pain can be particularly challenging to assess in a child with cognitive and speech delays, so the nurse should use appropriate pain assessment tools and also consider nonverbal cues, changes in behavior, and physiological indicators of pain.
While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection present, it is not mentioned as a priority in this specific scenario. The focus is on providing atraumatic care post-operatively.
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wound care are all important components of the child's overall care, but they may not be the immediate priority post-operatively. The child's specific needs and surgical procedure will determine when these interventions are appropriate and can be incorporated into the plan of care as needed. However, addressing pain is of utmost importance in the immediate post-operative period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Repeating information may reinforce understanding but does not address the core barrier in unilateral hearing loss, which is sound localization and clarity. Auditory input from one ear limits binaural processing, making it harder to distinguish speech from background noise. Repetition without visual cues or proper orientation may still result in misinterpretation. Effective communication requires compensating for the sensory deficit, not merely reiterating content. Thus, repetition alone is insufficient for optimal education delivery.
Choice B rationale: Writing on a whiteboard provides visual support but lacks the dynamic interaction necessary for patient education. While visual aids help reinforce concepts, they do not allow for immediate clarification or emotional engagement. Pain management education involves nuanced discussion of pharmacologic options, side effects, and patient preferences. Relying solely on written communication may hinder comprehension, especially if literacy or cognitive load is a concern. It should supplement, not replace, direct verbal and visual interaction.
Choice C rationale: Speaking loudly into the affected ear is counterproductive and may distort sound further. In unilateral hearing loss, the affected ear has reduced or absent auditory function, and increasing volume does not restore clarity. Loud speech can also be perceived as aggressive or uncomfortable. Effective communication requires engaging the functional ear and using visual cues to enhance comprehension. Loudness does not compensate for neural deficits in auditory processing and may worsen patient experience.
Choice D rationale: Facing the client allows for optimal use of visual cues such as lip reading, facial expressions, and gestures, which are critical in compensating for unilateral auditory deficits. This technique engages the functional ear while supporting multimodal communication. It respects the neurophysiological limitations of monaural hearing and enhances speech perception through visual-auditory integration. Direct face-to-face interaction also fosters trust and allows for immediate feedback, making it the most scientifically sound approach for patient education.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In this scenario, the client's sudden onset of feeling apprehensive, restlessness, and increased body temperature are consistent with symptoms of a thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm or thyrotoxic crisis. Thyroid crisis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Initiating IV access is crucial to ensure the prompt administration of medications and fluids to manage the thyroid crisis effectively. IV access allows for the administration of beta-blockers, antithyroid drugs, and supportive care, which are essential components of the treatment for thyroid crisis. IV access also provides a route for fluid resuscitation if necessary.
Accessing laboratory results to confirm a thyroid crisis is important, but the clinical presentation of the client with sudden onset symptoms and a known history of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism suggests the need for immediate intervention rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.
Obtaining a complete set of vital signs is an important assessment to gather comprehensive data, but in the case of a suspected thyroid crisis, immediate intervention takes precedence over obtaining vital signs.
Encouraging relaxation and slow deep breathing may be beneficial in managing anxiety or discomfort, but it does not address the underlying emergency situation of a thyroid crisis. The nurse should focus on initiating appropriate medical interventions first.
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