Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

How should a CNL address a child's fear of injections during discharge planning?

1. Plan for the child to remain hospitalized

2. Use restraints to control the child at home

3. Consult a child specialist to understand the fears

4. Prescribe an oral medication instead

The correct answer is: Consult a child specialist to understand the fears

The approach of consulting a child specialist to understand the fears is the most effective and appropriate method for addressing a child's fear of injections during discharge planning. This strategy allows the CNL to gain insights from a professional who specializes in pediatric psychology and can offer techniques to alleviate the child's anxiety related to injections. Understanding the underlying reasons for the child's fear, and employing strategies tailored to their emotional and psychological needs, can build trust and provide comfort. Additionally, engaging a specialist enables the implementation of developmentally appropriate interventions, which are essential when dealing with children. This may include distraction techniques, education about the procedure, or even collaborative approaches involving the child in their care. Such an understanding can empower the child and potentially lessen the fear associated with medical procedures. The other choices present less desirable options. Keeping the child hospitalized does not address the fear and may lead to prolonged anxiety surrounding medical care. Using restraints is inappropriate and can cause trauma rather than alleviate fear, as it doesn’t address the emotional aspect of the child's concerns. Prescribing an oral medication instead of addressing the fear through psychological means might mask the problem rather than resolve it, which could lead to ongoing anxiety in future medical situations.