A nurse is preparing to administer vaccines to a 1-year-old child. The parents ask the nurse to give the child acetaminophen before administering the vaccine to reduce the pain. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Question

a. "Children don't remember pain, so it isn't necessary to give acetaminophen."
b. "The small needles used to inject the vaccines cause hardly any discomfort."
c. "You can apply a topical anesthetic when you get home to reduce pain from the injection."
d. "Your child's response to the vaccine may not be as effective if I give acetaminophen."

Answer 1

ANS: D
Giving analgesic/antipyretic medications before or shortly after vaccines can reduce the immune response, so giving them to prevent pain or fever is not recommended. Children do remember pain, and it is important to provide other comfort measures and to give the injections rapidly. Small needles cause less discomfort, and it is important to reassure the parents about this; however, it is more important to explain why acetaminophen is not recommended. Topical anesthetics are useful before giving the injections, not afterwards.