Question

A 10-year-old child is in the hospital on bedrest with a diagnosis of rheumatic fever complicated by carditis. When the nurse responds to the child's call bell, the child states, 'I hate this! I want to get up and play!' Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse to make at this time?

1) I know that you are unhappy, but you must stay in bed so that you can get better and go home.
2) What if we make a deal and I promise to let you get up for 10 minutes every 2 hours if you are very good the rest of the day?
3) I am sure that I can get the doctor to let you go to the playroom for 1 to 2 hours this afternoon.
4) I am so sorry that you are unhappy, but what if I contact the play lady and have her bring you a selection of video games to play with?

Answer 1

The appropriate response for the nurse to make at this time is option 4) ""I am so sorry that you are unhappy, but what if I contact the play lady and have her bring you a selection of video games to play with?""

Step-by-step explanation:

This response demonstrates empathy and proactive problem-solving, focusing on the child's emotional well-being while adhering to the medical necessity of bedrest. By acknowledging the child's feelings and offering a positive solution, the nurse promotes a therapeutic and supportive environment. Introducing video games not only engages the child in a form of entertainment but also aligns with the goal of keeping the child occupied without compromising their physical health.

Option 1 may come across as dismissive of the child's feelings and lacks a concrete solution to address the child's desire for activity. Option 2 introduces a conditional agreement that may be challenging to enforce and does not address the immediate need for distraction. Option 3, while offering a potential activity, involves a doctor's approval, which may not be feasible in the short term.

The appropriate response for the nurse to make at this time is option 4) ""I am so sorry that you are unhappy, but what if I contact the play lady and have her bring you a selection of video games to play with?""

The selected response prioritizes the emotional needs of the child, recognizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook during a challenging time. It also reflects the nurse's understanding of the therapeutic benefits of engaging activities for pediatric patients, contributing to their overall well-being during the hospital stay.