Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Pediatric pain
NCLEX: A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for postoperative pain in a school-age child. Ass…
Pediatric nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Physiological Adaptation
Case Study
A 6-month-old infant in the pediatric clinic is being evaluated for postoperative pain in a school-age child. Assessment data include capillary refill 4 seconds with dry mucous membranes and sunken fontanelle. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?
Question
A. Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.
B. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
D. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
B. Use only the chart from admission without current data.
C. Defer assessment until all medications are administered.
D. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
Rationale
Correct answer: D. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.