Three year old Peter had the car door slam on his right hand, which is his dominant hand. He has severe crush injuries to his index and ring finger with nail avulsions on both fingers. He has had opiate analgesia in the Children’s Emergency Department (CED) and is being admitted to the ward for surgical management of his injuries. He is accompanied by his visibly shocked father and his 7-year-old sister. Peter is quiet and looks frightened, he only wants to cling to his dad.

• What immediate nursing needs do Peter and his family need?
• What specific strategies could be used to give Peter and his family information about what is happening?