A toddler in gastric distress is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. The toddler becomes anxious and tries to remove the IV. The mother offers to help calm the child. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
paint a smiley face on the dressing covering the IV site
give the child a puzzle to complete
ask the mother to read the child’s favorite book
administer a sedative to the child
Number 3 is correct.
Rationale: An intervention by the mother is both distracting and comforting to the toddler. Painting a smiley face on the dressing covering the IV site may focus the child’s attention further to the dressing. A puzzle is above the cognitive level of the toddler. Sedation may mask symptoms of distress.
