A general rule that nurses can use in deciding whether an intervention or procedure would hurt a child is to ask which of the following questions?

Question

a. "Would this hurt an adult?" If the answer is yes, then it would hurt a child.
b. Ask the child: "Do you think this will hurt a lot, some, or not at all?"
c. Ask the mother: "Do you think this procedure or intervention will hurt your child?"
d. "Has this child had this procedure or intervention in the past? If so, what was the pain history?"

Answer 1

A

Feedback
A Correct: Prior to performing an intervention or procedure, it is necessary for the nurse to consider the potential pain associated with the action. Because the pediatric client may be ineffective in communicating pain to the health care provider, it is essential for the nurse to anticipate painful experiences. The nurse can expect that a procedure that would hurt an adult will also cause pain to a child.
B Incorrect: Asking the child would not consistently be effective, as the ability to predict pain may not be developmentally possible.
C Incorrect: The nurse cannot assume that the parent will be familiar with the procedure and the outcomes associated with it
D Incorrect: Regardless of past experience, the nurse can anticipate that an intervention or procedure that causes pain in an adult will also cause pain in the child.