The nurse is caring for a pediatric patient who needs to have an IV line started. The nurse plans to provide EMLA cream (lidocaine/prilocaine) to the patient's arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Rub the cream onto a 2-inch surface of the arm 15 min prior to the procedure.
B) Rub the cream onto a 6-inch surface of the arm 30-45 min prior to the procedure.
C) Place a thick layer of cream under an occlusive dressing on a 2-inch site 1 hr prior to the procedure.
D) Place a thin layer of cream under an occlusive dressing on a 6-inch site 20 min prior to the procedure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is to place a thick layer of cream under an occlusive dressing on a 2-inch site 1 hour prior to the procedure. EMLA cream takes about 1 hour to provide adequate anesthesia to the area where it is applied. A thick layer of cream under an occlusive dressing will enhance the absorption and efficacy of the cream. Applying the cream to a smaller surface area will also decrease the risk of systemic absorption, which is especially important in pediatric patients.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Pediatric Patient Who Needs