Final answer:
The nurse should work with the healthcare team to find an alternative to the PCA pump that the child with cerebral palsy can manage, such as a basal rate of medication or non-pharmacological methods. The child's comfort and safety should be prioritized with regular pain level assessments and family education on the pain management plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should collaborate with the healthcare team to find an alternative pain management solution for the 10-year-old child with cerebral palsy who is unable to use the hand control of a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) pump due to limited dexterity. The team's efforts should focus on ensuring that postoperative pain is managed effectively while considering the child's physical limitations. This might involve adjusting the PCA pump to allow a caregiver or nurse to control the administration of pain medication or exploring other methods of pain relief that the child can manage independently.
For instance, the nurse could talk with the physician or anesthesia professional about the possibility of using a basal rate of medication from the PCA pump, which would provide a continuous infusion of pain relief without the need for patient activation. Additionally, they could consider other forms of pain management, such as non-pharmacological methods or alternative analgesic medications that do not require the use of a PCA pump.
The nurse should also ensure that the child's comfort and safety are prioritized during recovery, which includes regular monitoring for signs of pain and effective communication with the child to assess pain levels. Educating the child's family about the plan for pain management and involving them in the care process is also an essential part of postoperative care.