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    Hesi lpn exit proctored examQuestion 18
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    Hesi lpn exit proctored exam
    Select All That Apply

    The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an infant the first postoperative day following a pylorotomy. The infant was medicated for pain one hour ago, but the PN does not believe that the medication is effective. Which finding(s) indicate that the infant is still experiencing pain and that the analgesia was not effective? Select all that apply.

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Pulse rate 102:This is actually a normal heart rate for an infant (the typical range is 100 to 160 beats per minute). Pain usually causes tachycardia. If the infant were in significant pain, you would expect a heart rate much higher than 102. B. Facial grimaces: In infants, facial grimacing, a furrowed brow, or chin quivering are among the most reliable behavioral indicators of pain. C. Knees drawn to chest: Drawing the knees up to the chest is a classic behavioral sign of abdominal pain or distress in an infant, especially following abdominal surgery like a pylorotomy. D. Restlessness: Restlessness, irritability, and the inability to be easily consoled are common signs that an infant's pain is not well-controlled. E. Temperature 98.6° F (37.0° C): This is a normal body temperature. While a fever can sometimes be associated with the inflammatory response or infection, it is not used as a clinical indicator to assess the immediate effectiveness of an analgesic for acute postoperative pain.

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