The nurse is caring for a preschool-aged client who is in pain secondary to a compound fracture resulting from a motor vehicle crash. The nurse recognizes which items as true when providing care to this client?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. It is best for the nurse to reason with the child in managing the pain.
2. The child will often respond with crying and anger because he perceives pain as a threat to security.
3. Try to avoid touching or holding the child to reduce the level of pain.
4. Appeal to the child's belief in magic by using a magic blanket to take away pain.
5. The child might consider pain a punishment for previous misbehaviors.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,4,5
The preschool-aged client does not have the vocabulary or logic skills to perceive pain as a physiological response, so he will often respond with crying and anger because he sees the pain as threatening his security. A child at this stage of development has a strong belief in magic, which can be used as a pain management tool. Children often perceive pain as a punishment, so it is important for the nurse to reassure the child that it is not his fault. It is not possible to reason with a child at this stage of development, because he does not have the necessary cognitive ability. Holding and comforting the child is a useful pain management tool.