The pediatric nurse would expect that patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) would be most appropriate for which client?

1. 12-year-old client who is postoperative for spinal fusion for scoliosis
2. 10-year-old client who has a fractured femur and concussion from a bike accident
3. 5-year-old client who is postoperative for tonsillectomy
4. Developmentally delayed 16-year-old client who is postoperative for bone surgery.


1
Explanation:
1. PCA is most appropriate in children 5 years old and older. Children must be able to press the button and understand that they will receive pain medicine by pushing the button.
2. Children who have suffered head trauma would not be candidates for PCA.
3. PCA generally is prescribed for clients who will be hospitalized for at least 48 hours.
4. Children who are developmentally delayed would not be candidates for PCA.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A patient suffers from hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis. What condition is most consistent with this clinical presentation?

A) Myxedema coma B) Psychotic depression C) Cretinism D) Congenital hypothyroidism

Nursing

During a health history interview, a female patient states that she has noticed a few drops of clear discharge from her right nipple. What should the nurse do next?

a. Immediately contact the physician to report the discharge. b. Ask her if she is possibly pregnant. c. Ask the patient some additional questions about the medications she is taking. d. Immediately obtain a sample for culture and sensitivity testing.

Nursing

A nurse has been asked to present a program on blood pressure for a group of adults at a community center. Which statement is appropriate for the nurse to include in the program?

1. Females tend to have higher blood pressure readings than males of the same age. 2. Stress can result in an increase in blood pressure. 3. Blood pressure readings tend to be lowest in the evening. 4. During physical activity, blood pressure decreases.

Nursing

During the nursing assessment of the adult client, the nurse finds the client's beliefs and actions related to common health practices to be "bizarre.". The most appropriate action for the nurse to take at this time would be to:

1. Repeat the assessment later in the day. 2. Communicate the findings to the health care team. 3. Inquire as to the culture with which the client identifies. 4. Write a nursing diagnosis to address the "bizarre" beliefs and actions.

Nursing