A nurse is caring for a child who reports migraine headaches for the past 4 months. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Refer the family to a chronic pain support group. While helpful, this is a later step in the care plan. The nurse must first assess the child's specific condition and patterns of pain. B. Set up an appointment with the school nurse. This is a supportive measure but not the priority. The nurse must gather more information before involving school personnel. C. Review the child's electronic pain diary. This is the first action because it allows the nurse to assess the frequency, triggers, severity, and duration of the migraines. Understanding the child's pain pattern is essential for effective treatment planning. D. Request a change in medication from the provider. This may be necessary, but the nurse should first gather complete data on the child's symptoms and current response to treatment before suggesting changes to the medication regimen.