Question 1

A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a 5-year-old child with symptoms of pneumonia and a fever of 102° F.Which intervention can the nurse implement to promote a sense of control for the child?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should allow the child to hold the digital thermometer while taking the child's blood pressure.Unless an emergency is life threatening,children need to participate in their care to maintain a sense of control.Because emergency departments are frequently hectic,there is a tendency to rush through procedures to save time.However,the extra few minutes needed to allow children to participate may save many more minutes of useless resistance and uncooperativeness during subsequent procedures.The child may not give permission,if asked,for a procedure that is necessary to be performed.It is better to give choices such as,"Which ear do you want me to do your temperature in?" instead of,"Can I take your temperature?" Parents should remain with their child to help with decreasing the child's anxiety.

Question 2

What is an age-appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate psychologic adjustment for an adolescent expected to have a prolonged hospitalization? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Encouraging parents to bring in homework,street clothes,and favorite foods are all developmentally appropriate approaches to facilitate adjustment and coping for an adolescent who will be experiencing prolonged hospitalization.Involving parents in care and following home routines are important interventions for the preschool child who is in the hospital.Adolescents do not need parents to assist in their care.They are used to performing independent self-care.Adolescents may want their parents to be nearby,or they may enjoy the freedom and independence from parental control and routines.

Question 3

A child is being discharged from an ambulatory care center after an inguinal hernia repair.Which discharge interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The discharge interventions a nurse should implement when a child is being discharged from an ambulatory care center should include dietary restrictions being very specific and giving examples of "clear fluids" or what is meant by a "full liquid diet." The nurse should give specific information on pain control and send a pain scale home with the family.All complications that may occur after an inguinal hernia repair should be discussed with the parents.The pain medication,as prescribed,should be given before the child leaves the building,and prescriptions should be filled and given to the family before discharge.

Question 4

A nurse plans therapeutic play time for a hospitalized child.Which are the benefits of therapeutic play? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic play is an effective,nondirective modality for helping children deal with their concerns and fears,and at the same time,it often helps the nurse gain insights into children's needs and feelings.Play and other expressive activities provide one of the best opportunities for encouraging emotional expression,including the safe release of anger and hostility.Nondirective play that allows children freedom for expression can be tremendously therapeutic.Play therapy is a structured therapy that helps disturbed children.It should not be confused with therapeutic play.

Question 5

A child has just been unexpectedly admitted to the intensive care unit after abdominal surgery.The nursing staff has completed the admission process,and the child's condition is beginning to stabilize.When speaking with the parents,the nurses should expect which stressors to be evident? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Intensive care units,especially when the family is unprepared for the admission,are a strange and unfamiliar place.There are many pieces of unfamiliar equipment,and the sights and sounds are much different from a general hospital unit.Also,with the child's condition being more precarious,it may be difficult to keep the parents updated and knowledgeable about what is happening.Lights are usually on around the clock,seriously disrupting the diurnal rhythm.There is usually little privacy available for families in intensive care units.

Quiz 38: Family-Centered Care of the Child During Illness and Hospitalization

A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a 5-year-old child with symptoms of pneumonia and a fever of 102° F.Which intervention can the nurse implement to promote a sense of control for the child?

What is an age-appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate psychologic adjustment for an adolescent expected to have a prolonged hospitalization? (Select all that apply.)

A child is being discharged from an ambulatory care center after an inguinal hernia repair.Which discharge interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse plans therapeutic play time for a hospitalized child.Which are the benefits of therapeutic play? (Select all that apply.)