Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

During a postoperative assessment of a 10-year-old child, what is the most appropriate action if the child is quiet and not interacting with family?

1. Offer the child a toy to play with

2. Assess the child’s need for pain medication

3. Encourage family members to engage the child

4. Check the child's vital signs

The correct answer is: Assess the child’s need for pain medication

Assessing the child’s need for pain medication is crucial in this scenario. After surgery, children often experience discomfort or pain, which can significantly affect their behavior and willingness to interact with others. If a 10-year-old is quiet and not engaging with family members, it may indicate they are experiencing pain or discomfort, leading to withdrawal. Recognizing that postoperative pain can manifest in various ways, including a lack of participation in social interactions, allows the healthcare provider to intervene appropriately. Administering pain relief when indicated can contribute to the child's comfort, ultimately encouraging them to re-engage with family and their surroundings. This makes the assessment of pain medication a priority in fostering the child's recovery and interaction. The other options are relevant but secondary; offering a toy or encouraging family engagement might not address the underlying issue of pain, and checking vital signs, while important, does not directly assess the reason for the child's quietness in the context of postoperative recovery. Prioritizing pain management aligns with best practices in ensuring a child’s holistic recovery after surgery.