Pathophysiology Practice Exam Related

Review Pathophysiology Practice Exam related questions and content

When assessing a 7-year-old child's pain after an emergency appendectomy, what is the most appropriate tool for the nurse to use?

  • A. Use a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the pain.
  • B. Ask the child to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
  • C. Use the Wong-Baker FACES scale to assess the pain.
  • D. Ask the parents to describe the child's pain behavior.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to use the Wong-Baker FACES scale to assess the child's pain. This scale is specifically designed for children and uses facial expressions of varying intensities to help them communicate their pain levels effectively. Choices A and B may not be as suitable for a young child who may have difficulty understanding or using a numerical scale. Choice D involving parents may not provide an accurate reflection of the child's pain experience, as it is essential to assess the child's self-reporting.