A School-Age Child Has Sustained a Head Injury and Multiple

question 29

Multiple Choice

A school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse.The child's level of consciousness is variable.The parents tell the nurse that they think their child is in pain because of periodic crying and restlessness.What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A) Explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury.
• B) Have the parents describe the child's previous experiences with pain.
• C) Consult with a practitioner about what analgesia can be safely administered.
• D) Teach the parents that analgesia is unnecessary when the child is not fully awake and alert.

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Definitions:

Somatic

Referring to the body cells that are not involved in reproduction, excluding sperm and egg cells.

Sensory Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit sensory information (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) from the body to the central nervous system.

Interneurons

A type of neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Nerve cells responsible for conveying impulses from the spinal cord or brain to muscles or glands, causing them to act.