A school-age client is brought to the emergency department after an arm injury during a football game. When the nurse tells the client that pain medication will be administered through the intravenous line the client begins to scream and wave the unaffected arm. The client's parents ask the nurse why their child is behaving this way. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's reaction to the suggestion of receiving medication through an intravenous line suggests that the child may have had a previous painful injection or procedure. Acknowledging this possibility and addressing it can help alleviate the child's fear and distress. Option A ("Your child is just immature") and option B ("Your child is just scared") do not provide an explanation for the child's behavior and may come across as dismissive. Option C ("It looks like your child may have experienced a head injury as well") is an unfounded assumption that is not supported by the information provided in the scenario.

A School-Age Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department After