A school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse. The child's level of consciousness is variable
The parents tell the nurse that they think their child is in pain because of periodic crying and restlessness. The most appropriate nursing action is to:
a. discuss with parents the child's previous experiences with pain.
b. discuss with practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered.
c. explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury.
d. explain that analgesia is unnecessary when child is not fully awake and alert.
ANS: B
A key nursing role is to provide sedation and analgesia for the child. Consultation with the appropriate practitioner is necessary to avoid conflict between the necessity to monitor the child's neurologic status and the promotion of comfort and relief of anxiety. Information on the child's previous experiences with pain should be obtained as part of the assessment, but because of the severity of injury, analgesia should be provided as soon as possible. Analgesia can be safely used in individuals who have sustained head injuries and can decrease anxiety and resultant increased ICP.
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