A nurse is caring for a 5-year-old who broke his arm and is complaining of pain. What statement by the nurse to the child would be most helpful?
A.
"I bet your arm will stop hurting really soon."
B.
"You don't have to stand pain; I can give you medicine."
C.
"You didn't do anything wrong that caused the hurt."
D.
"Wait until you see the cool cast you are going to get."
ANS: C
Children age 2 to 7 years often view pain as a punishment. The most comforting thing the nurse can say is to reassure the child that this is not the case. Empty reassurances such as telling the child the pain will go away soon or that the cast will be really cool are not comforting. An adolescent often wants control over health-care situations but may think he or she needs to be "strong" and bear the pain, especially if he or she believes adults think it is important to act that way.
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