Question

2. What assessment findings would indicate that the appendix has or is about to rupture? Discuss how this would impact the nursing plan of care for the pediatric patient. 3. Describe at least three pain scales which can be used in pediatric pain assessment. Of the three, which would be most appropriate to use with the early school-aged child (six to eight years of age)? 4. What developmental factors need to be considered when assessing a child's self-rating of pain?

2-4

Answer 1

2. The assessment findings that would indicate that the appendix is about to rupture are :-

- abdominal tenderness

- severe pain

- vomiting

- diminished bowel sounds

Nursing interventions :-

- Should inform the physician immediately

- administration of pain medication as per order

- scheduling for surgery

- No heat application for pain as it would cause rupture

3. Pain Scale Preschool and School Age Children

Faces pain rating - 7 cartoon faces

Wong-Banker scale - older than 3 y/o, selects face

Oucher - visual analogue thats vertical with faces

Poker chip scale - quanitifies pain ; 4-7 y/os

Numerical rating scale

The scale which is most appropriate for early school age child is Wong Baker Scale because children touches the faces which resembles their pain .

4. The developmental factors that needs to be considered when assessing a child's self rating of pain are :-

- child factors ( body functions and structure )

- performance pattern ( motor skills and process skills )