Question

The mother of a child who just had abdominal surgery holds his hand and smoothes his hair. When the nurse appears to administer a scheduled analgesic, the mother says she believes the child has been in pain the last hour or more. The nurse's best response is:

Option 1: "Your child seems comfortable; we follow a strict pain management schedule."

Option 2: "I'll give the analgesic, but I believe your child is exaggerating the pain."

Option 3: "It's important for you to share your observations, and we'll adjust the pain management as needed."

Option 4: "I'll consult the doctor to see if more pain medication is necessary."

Answer 1

The nurse's best response is to acknowledge the mother's concern and encourage her to share her observations, while also ensuring that the child's pain management will be adjusted if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response in this situation is Option 3: "It's important for you to share your observations, and we'll adjust the pain management as needed." This response acknowledges the mother's concern and encourages her to communicate her observations. It also ensures that the child's pain management will be adjusted if necessary, prioritizing the child's comfort.