The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing a client's recent ophthalmic screening test results. Findings of optic neuropathy, loss of peripheral vision, and increased intraocular pressure are consistent with which medical condition?

The injury description by the mother varies from the child's version.

Choice A rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should note the significant indicator of possible child abuse, which is the discrepancy between the mother's description of the injury and the child's version. In cases of child abuse, perpetrators often provide inconsistent or conflicting explanations about how the injuries occurred, raising suspicion of maltreatment. This inconsistency can be a red flag for the PN to further assess the situation and, if necessary, report concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Choice B rationale:

While the child looking at the floor when answering questions might be a behavior worth noting, it alone is not a definitive indicator of child abuse. Children may exhibit various emotional responses for various reasons, and it requires further assessment to determine if there are signs of abuse.

Choice C rationale:

The healing of abrasions on the child's arms, legs, and chest does not necessarily indicate child abuse. Children are active and prone to minor injuries, which are a normal part of growing up. The PN should investigate further to determine the cause of the injuries.

Choice D rationale:

The mother describing in detail what she did for her injured child does not automatically suggest child abuse. It is essential for the PN to gather more information and conduct a comprehensive assessment before drawing any conclusions.

The correct answer is choice D. Apply a pain scale to describe intensity.

Choice A rationale:

Asking about elements of the pain experience is important for a comprehensive pain assessment, but it is not the most critical aspect immediately after administering an analgesic. This step is more relevant during the initial assessment to understand the nature and characteristics of the pain.

Choice B rationale:

Questioning the client about precipitating factors can help identify what triggers the pain, which is useful for long-term pain management strategies. However, this is not the primary focus after giving an analgesic, as the immediate goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the pain relief.

Choice C rationale:

Locating where in the body the pain occurs is essential for diagnosing and understanding the pain’s origin. However, after administering an analgesic, the priority is to assess the change in pain intensity rather than its location.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a pain scale to describe intensity is crucial after giving an analgesic because it provides a quantifiable measure of the pain relief achieved. This helps in determining the effectiveness of the medication and guides further pain management interventions.

By focusing on the pain intensity using a standardized pain scale, the practical nurse can objectively evaluate the patient’s response to the analgesic and make informed decisions about any additional pain management needs.