Question

A 4½-year-old child is crying from pain related to her fractured leg. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing response to her alteration in comfort?

1. Please try to not move your leg and that will make it feel better.
2. I'll give you a shot of medicine that will help take the pain away.
3. It's okay if you need to cry. Would you like to hold your favorite doll?
4. Would you like to tell me now where you want me to give you your shot?

Answer 1

The most appropriate nursing response to a 4½-year-old child crying from pain related to her fractured leg is to offer comfort and support, and provide a distraction if possible.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing response to the child's alteration in comfort would be option 3: It's okay if you need to cry. Would you like to hold your favorite doll? This response acknowledges the child's pain and offers comfort and support. It also provides a distraction by suggesting the child holds her favorite doll, which may help take her mind off the pain. Option 1, asking the child to not move her leg, may not be realistic or helpful as the pain from a fractured leg can be intense and limiting movement may not always alleviate the pain. Option 2, suggesting a shot of medicine, should only be done by a healthcare professional and it may not be appropriate in this scenario if the child's pain is manageable without it. Option 4, asking the child about where she wants the shot, is not appropriate because it assumes that the child needs or wants a shot, and it may increase the child's anxiety.