Final answer:
When a mother reports that her young child is in pain, the nurse should assess the child for signs of pain using both behavioral observation and pain assessment tools. It's also important to communicate with the parents about their concerns and observations while managing the child's pain effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a mother reports that her 2-year-old child is in pain, as a nurse, the appropriate response is to take her concerns seriously and assess the child for signs of pain. Children at this age may not be able to verbally communicate their discomfort effectively, so it is important to look for non-verbal cues.
Pain assessment in young children includes observing for changes in behavior such as irritability, crying, and lethargy, as well as physical signs like grimacing, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased activity. Nurses can also use pain assessment tools that are designed for this age group, which often include visual scales or faces that help to gauge the child’s level of pain based on their responses to images. Parents are usually very attuned to their child's normal behavior and can often detect subtle changes that might indicate pain or discomfort.
Alongside observational assessments, the nurse should gather information regarding recent events that might have caused the child pain, such as falls, injuries, or illness, and perform a thorough physical examination. Managing a child's pain promptly and effectively is crucial for their well-being and can also aid in the healing process if the child is ill or injured. Communication with the parents about their observations and concerns is key to providing holistic and empathetic care.