A student nurse on the pediatric floor finds a patient in pain and gives the child some toys to play with.The registered nurse asks why the student did not medicate the child.The student states that because the child was easily distracted,it did not appear that the child needed pain medication.What action by the registered nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is a myth that a child who can be distracted is not in pain; distraction serves as a coping mechanism.The nurse should have the student do a comprehensive pain assessment on the patient and then medicate the patient appropriately.Just giving the child pain medication without assessment does not follow the nursing process,nor does it teach the student anything.Vital signs do not always change with pain.Of course the nurse should compliment the student on things done to comfort the child,but this is not the best response.

A Student Nurse on the Pediatric Floor Finds a Patient