Nursing Elites

1. What is the most consistent and commonly used indicator of pain in infants?

• A. Increased respirations
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Thrashing of arms and legs
• D. Facial expression of discomfort

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Facial expression has consistently been validated as an indicator of pain in infants. Behavioral pain measures are most reliable for sharp procedural pain in infants. Increased heart rate and respirations are indicative of a generalized and complex response to stress, not specific for pain in infants. Thrashing of arms and legs is a reliable indicator in young children, not specifically in infants.

2. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

3. At what stage can infants raise their heads and gain control of their trunks before walking due to which directional pattern of development?

• A. Cephalocaudal
• B. Anterior to posterior
• C. Proximodistal
• D. Normal growth curve charts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cephalocaudal. The cephalocaudal pattern of development means that growth and motor control proceed from the head downward through the body. This explains why infants can raise their heads before they can sit and gain control of their trunks before walking. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Anterior to posterior refers to development from the front to the back, while proximodistal refers to development from the center of the body outward. Normal growth curve charts are used to track physical growth over time and are not directly related to the directional pattern of development in infants.

4. What is a common sign of moderate dehydration in children?

• A. Dry mucous membranes
• B. Normal capillary refill
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of moderate dehydration in children, indicating a loss of bodily fluids. When a child is moderately dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may appear dry. This condition can occur due to various factors such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Normal capillary refill (choice B) is not typically associated with dehydration; it is a measure of circulatory status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice C) can be present in conditions like gastroenteritis but are not specific to dehydration. Edema (choice D) is the retention of fluid in the body and is not a typical sign of dehydration.

5. A school-age child with cancer is being prepared for a procedure. The child says, “I have had one of these before. They hurt.” The nurse bases her response on what knowledge related to pain in this patient?

• A. Often misrepresent experiencing pain
• B. Tolerate pain better than adults
• C. Become accustomed to painful procedures
• D. Commonly experience treatment-related moderate to severe pain when they have cancer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Pain is frequently reported by children with cancer, with around 84% experiencing it. Most children report moderate to severe pain, with about half finding it highly distressing. There is no evidence to suggest that children often misrepresent their pain experiences. Pain tolerance is not solely based on age but is a complex phenomenon. Children do not become accustomed to painful procedures, as each experience of pain is unique.

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