NCLEX RN Pediatric Related

Review NCLEX RN Pediatric related questions and content

The nurse has identified a priority nursing diagnosis of Anxiety related to surgery for a 4-yearold preparing for a tonsillectomy. The nurse should tell the child:

  • A. You won't have so many sore throats after your tonsils are removed.
  • B. The doctor will put you to sleep so you don't feel anything.
  • C. Show me how to give the doll an I.V.
  • D. When it is done you will get to see your mommy and get a Popsicle.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When preparing a child for a procedure the nurse should use neutral words, focus on sensory experiences, and emphasize the positive aspects at the end. Being reunited with parents and having an ice pop would be considered pleasurable events. Children this age fear bodily harm. To reduce anxiety, avoid the word 'removed' to describe what is being done to the tonsils. Using the terms 'put to sleep' and 'I.V.' may be threatening. Additionally, directing a play experience to focus on I.V. insertion may be counterproductive as the child may have little recollection of this aspect of the procedure.