Question

Susan is a 4-year-old girl who presents with a 7-day history of fever and lethargy. Susan’s physician has ordered laboratory work that includes a blood culture.

Subjective Data

Fever for 1 week

Mother has noticed decreased activity level

States she is “afraid” of needles

Objective Data

Weight 26.1 kg

Vital signs: T 39.3, P 110, R 40, BP 108/54, O2 sat 100%

No abnormal findings on physical examination

Questions:

1. When should Susan’s nurse explain the procedure to her?

2. To give Susan some control over this situation, what choices could be given to her?

3. What should the nurse do in this clinical situation? Prioritize actions.

Answer 1

1.Explain the procedure just before taking blood for laboratory work ups to her to reduce fear.

2.To have a control over the situation, show her some pictures or cartoons of babies in hospitals.

Show her some other babies gone through the procedure and stays happy.

Allow her mother to be with her during the procedure.

Give her toys or sweets.

3.Nurse has to give psychological support.

Calm her by telling the procedure like a story.

Act with the toys how to do the procedure.

Keep the sharp needle away from her and dont allow her to see before.

Have some others help while doing the procedure to hold her hands.

Tie the tourniquete, clean with spirit and betadine.

Blood is taken and inoculated into bottles containing culture media.

Take the needle out and wipe with cotton.