Question

a child has been stung by a wasp and is in distress due to pain. the nurse's initial assessment reveals no evidence of systemic effects or anaphylaxis, and the child has no drug allergies or ongoing health problems. the nurse should recommend the use of what over-the-counter local anesthetic to relieve the child's pain?

Answer 1

A nurse should recommend an over-the-counter local anesthetic like ethyl chloride spray to relieve pain from a wasp sting, as it numbs the affected area without systemic effects or risk of anaphylaxis.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a child who has been stung by a wasp and is currently in distress due to pain, but showing no signs of systemic effects or anaphylaxis, a nurse should recommend an over-the-counter local anesthetic to help relieve the pain. Local anesthetics work by blocking nerve conduction in the affected area, providing temporary relief without causing unconsciousness. A common example of a local anesthetic that might be recommended is ethyl chloride spray, which cools the skin and numbs the painful sensation when applied.

It is important to note that local anesthetics are reversible and provide a great practical advantage since their use is followed by complete recovery in nerve function without structural damage to nerve fibers or cells. The recommended application will depend on the specific product instructions and should always be used according to the label or under the guidance of a healthcare professional.