Question

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 ____.

1) discuss with parents the child's previous experiences with pain.
2) discuss with practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered.
3) explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury.
4) d. explain that analgesia is unnecessary when child is not fully awake and alert.

Answer 1

2) discuss with practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered

The nurse should discuss with the practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered to manage the child's pain, taking into account the head injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing action when a school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse and exhibits variable levels of consciousness and signs of pain would be to discuss with the practitioner what analgesia can be safely administered. This is because it is crucial to manage the child's pain effectively while also considering the head injury. Analgesics are medications that reduce pain without causing loss of consciousness, but it is important to select the right one to avoid exacerbating the child's condition. The nurse, surgeon, and anesthesia professional should collaboratively review the key concerns for the patient's recovery and care to ensure safe and appropriate management of pain.