An appropriate nursing intervention when caring for an unconscious child should be to:
a. change the child's position infrequently to minimize the chance of increased ICP.
b. avoid using narcotics or sedatives to provide comfort and pain relief.
c. monitor fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload and cerebral edema.
d. give tepid sponge baths to reduce fever because antipyretics are contraindicated.
ANS: C
Often comatose patients cannot cope with the quantity of fluids that they normally tolerate. Overhydration must be avoided to prevent fatal cerebral edema. The child's position should be changed frequently to avoid complications such as pneumonia and skin breakdown. Narcotics and sedatives should be used as necessary to reduce pain and discomfort, which can increase ICP. Antipyretics are the method of choice for fever reduction.
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