Chapter 33: The Child with Musculoskeletal or Articular dysfunction

A student athlete was injured during a basketball game. The nurse observes significant swelling. The player states he thought he "heard a pop," that the pain is "pretty bad," and that the ankle feels "as if it is coming apart." Based on this description, the nurse suspects what injury? a. Sprain b. Fracture c. Dislocation d. Stress fracture

ANS: A Sprains account for approximately 75% of all ankle injuries in children. A sprain results when the trauma is so severe that a ligament is either stretched or partially or completely torn by the force created as a joint is twisted or wrenched. Joint laxity is the most valid indicator of the severity of a sprain. A fracture involves the cross-section of the bone. Dislocations occur when the force of stress on the ligaments disrupts the normal positioning of the bone ends. Stress fractures result from repeated muscular contraction and are seen most often in sports involving repetitive weight bearing such as running, gymnastics, and basketball.

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip about preventing skin breakdown under the Pavlik harness. What statement by the parent would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I should gently massage the skin under the straps once a day to stimulate circulation." b. "I will apply a lotion for sensitive skin under the straps after my baby has been given a bath to prevent skin irritation." c. "I should remove the harness several times a day to prevent contractures." d. "I will place the diaper over the harness, preferably using a superabsorbent disposable diaper that is relatively thin."

ANS: A To prevent skin breakdown with an infant who has developmental dysplasia of the hip and is in a Pavlik harness, the parent should gently massage the skin under the straps once a day to stimulate circulation. The parent should not apply lotions or powder because this could irritate the skin. The parent should not remove the harness, except during a bath, and should place the diaper under the straps.

The nurse is assisting with application of a synthetic cast on a child with a fractured humerus. What are the advantages of a synthetic cast over a plaster of Paris cast? (Select all that apply.) a. Less bulky. b. Drying time is faster. c. Molds readily to body part. d. Permits regular clothing to be worn. e. Can be cleaned with small amount of soap and water.

ANS: A, B, D, E The advantages of synthetic casts over plaster of Paris casts are that they are less bulky, dry faster, permit regular clothes to be worn, and can be cleaned. Plaster of Paris casts mold readily to a body part, but synthetic casts do not mold easily to body parts.

The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old child with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Arthralgia b. Weight gain c. Polycythemia d. Abdominal pain e. Glomerulonephritis

ANS: A, D, E Clinical manifestations of SLE include arthralgia, abdominal pain, and glomerulonephritis. Weight loss, not gain, and anemia, not polycythemia, are manifestations of SLE.

The school nurse recognizes that the adverse effects of performance-enhancing substances can include what? (Select all that apply.) a. Depression b. Dehydration c. Hypotension d. Aggressiveness e. Changes in libido

ANS: A, D, E Mood changes have been observed as adverse effects of using performance-enhancing substances, including aggressiveness, changes in libido, depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Fluid retention, not dehydration, and hypertension, not hypotension, are adverse effects of performance-enhancing substances.

The nurse stops to assist an adolescent who has experienced severe trauma when hit by a motorcycle. The emergency medical system (EMS) has been activated. The first person who provided assistance applied a tourniquet to the child's leg because of arterial bleeding. What should the nurse do related to the tourniquet? a. Loosen the tourniquet. b. Leave the tourniquet in place. c. Remove the tourniquet and apply direct pressure if bleeding is still present. d. Remove the tourniquet every 5 minutes, leaving it off for 30 seconds each time.

ANS: B A tourniquet is applied only as a last resort, and then it is left in place and not loosened until definitive treatment is available. After the tourniquet is applied, skin and tissue necrosis occur below the site. Loosening or removing the tourniquet allows toxins from the tissue necrosis to be released into the circulation. This can induce systemic, deadly tourniquet shock.

An infant is born with one lower limb deficiency. When is the optimum time for the child to be fitted with a functional prosthetic device? a. As soon as possible after birth. b. When the infant is developmentally ready to stand up. c. At about ages 12 to 15 months, when most children are walking. d. At about 4 years, when the healthy limb is not growing so rapidly.

ANS: B An infant should be fitted with a functional prosthetic leg when the infant is developmentally ready to pull to a standing position. When the infant begins limb exploration, a soft prosthesis can be used. The child should begin using the prosthesis as part of his or her normal development. This will match the infant's motor readiness.

A child has just returned from surgery for repair of a fractured femur. The child has a long-leg cast on. The toes on the leg with the cast are edematous, but they have color, sensitivity, and movement. What action should the nurse take? a. Call the health care provider to report the edema. b. Elevate the foot and leg on pillows. c. Apply a warm moist pack to the foot. d. Encourage movement of toes.

ANS: B During the first few hours after a cast is applied, the chief concern is that the extremity may continue to swell to the extent that the cast becomes a tourniquet, shutting off circulation and producing neurovascular complications (compartment syndrome). One measure to reduce the likelihood of this problem is to elevate the body part and thereby increase venous return. The health care provider does not need to be notified because edema is expected and warm moist packs will not decrease the edema. The child should move the toes, but that will not help reduce the edema.

An adolescent comes to the school nurse after experiencing shin splints during a track meet. What reassurance should the nurse offer? a. Shin splints are expected in runners. b. Ice, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually relieve pain. c. It is generally best to run around and "work the pain out." d. Moist heat and acetaminophen are indicated for this type of injury.

ANS: B Shin splints result when the ligaments tear away from the tibial shaft and cause pain. Actions that have an anti-inflammatory effect are indicated for shin splints. Ice, rest, and NSAIDs are the usual treatment. Shin splints are rarely serious, but they are not expected, and preventive measures are taken. Rest is important to heal the shin splints. Continuing to place stress on the tibia can lead to further damage.

The nurse is teaching the parent of a 4-year-old child with a cast on the arm about care at home. What statement by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? a. "I should have the affected limb hang in a dependent position." b. "I will use an ice pack to relieve the itching." c. "I should avoid keeping the injured arm elevated." d. "I will expect the fingers to be swollen for the next 3 days."

ANS: B Teaching the parent to use an ice pack to relieve the itching is an important aspect when planning discharge for a child with a cast. The affected limb should not be allowed to hang in a dependent position for more than 30 minutes. The affected arm should be kept elevated as much as possible. If there is swelling or redness of the fingers, the parent should notify the health care provider.

The nurse knows that parents need further teaching with regard to the treatment of congenital clubfoot when they state what? a. "We'll keep the cast dry." b. "We're happy this is the only cast our baby will need." c. "We'll watch for any swelling of the foot while the cast is on." d. "We're getting a special car seat to accommodate the cast."

ANS: B The common approach to clubfoot management and treatment is the Ponseti method. Serial casting is begun shortly after birth. Weekly gentle manipulation and stretching of the foot along with placement of serial long-leg casts allow for gradual repositioning of the foot. The extremity or extremities are casted until maximum correction is achieved, usually within 6 to 10 weeks. If parents state that this is the only cast the infant will need, they need further teaching.

What is an appropriate nursing intervention when caring for a child in traction? a. Removing adhesive traction straps daily to prevent skin breakdown b. Assessing for tightness, weakness, or contractures in uninvolved joints and muscles c. Providing active range of motion exercises to affected extremity three times a day d. Keeping child prone to maintain good alignment

ANS: B Traction places stress on the affected bone, joint, and muscles. The nurse must assess for tightness, weakness, or contractures developing in the uninvolved joints and muscles. The adhesive straps should be released or replaced only when absolutely necessary. Active, passive, or active with resistance exercises should be carried out for the unaffected extremity only. Movement is expected with children. Each time the child moves, the nurse should check to ensure that proper alignment is maintained.

A child has had a short-arm synthetic cast applied. What should the nurse teach to the child and parents about cast care? (Select all that apply.) a. Relieve itching with heat. b. Elevate the arm when resting. c. Observe the fingers for any evidence of discoloration. d. Do not allow the child to put anything inside the cast. e. Examine the skin at the cast edges for any breakdown.

ANS: B, C, D, E Cast care involves elevating the arm, observing the fingers for evidence of discoloration, not allowing the child to put anything inside the cast, and examining the skin at the edges of the cast for any breakdown. Ice, not heat, should be applied to relieve itching.

The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Erythema over joints b. Soft tissue contractures c. Swelling in multiple joints d. Morning stiffness of the joints e. Loss of motion in the affected joints

ANS: B, C, D, E Whether single or multiple joints are involved, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion develop in the affected joints in JIA. The swelling results from soft tissue edema, joint effusion, and synovial thickening. The affected joints may be warm and tender to the touch, but it is not uncommon for pain not to be reported. The limited motion early in the disease is a result of muscle spasm and joint inflammation; later it is caused by ankylosis or soft tissue contracture. Morning stiffness of the joint(s) is characteristic and present on arising in the morning or after inactivity. Erythema is not typical, and a warm, painful, red joint is always suspect for infection.

The nurse is teaching the girls' varsity sports teams about the "female athlete triad." What is essential information to include? a. They should take low to moderate calcium to avoid hypercalcemia. b. They have strong bones because of the athletic training. c. Low estrogen levels may lead to a deficit in bone mineral density. d. A diet high in carbohydrates accommodates increased training.

ANS: C Adolescent athletes with amenorrhea have a lower bone mineral density. Increased calcium (1500 mg) is recommended for amenorrheic athletes. The decreased estrogen in girls with the female athlete triad, coupled with potentially inadequate diet, leads to osteoporosis. Diets high in protein and calories are necessary to avoid potentially long-term consequences of intensive, prolonged exercise programs in pubertal girls.

What nursing intervention is most appropriate when caring for the child with osteomyelitis? a. Encourage frequent ambulation. b. Administer antibiotics with meals. c. Move and turn the child carefully and gently to minimize pain. d. Provide active range of motion exercises for the affected extremity.

ANS: C During the acute phase, any movement of the affected limb causes discomfort to the child. Careful positioning with the affected limb supported is necessary. Weight bearing is not permitted until healing is well under way to avoid pathologic fractures. Intravenous antibiotics are used initially. Food is not necessary with parenteral therapy. Active range of motion would be painful for the child.

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized adolescent whose femur was fractured 18 hr ago. The adolescent suddenly develops chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse should suspect what complication? a. Sepsis b. Osteomyelitis c. Pulmonary embolism d. Acute respiratory tract infection

ANS: C Fat emboli are of greatest concern in individuals with fractures of the long bones. Fat droplets from the marrow are transferred to the general circulation, where they are transported to the lung or brain. This type of embolism usually occurs within the second 12 hr after the injury. Sepsis would manifest with fever and lethargy. Osteomyelitis usually is seen with pain at the site of infection and fever. A child with an acute respiratory tract infection would have nasal congestion, not chest pain.

The nurse at a summer camp recognizes the signs of heatstroke in an adolescent girl. Her temperature is 40° C (104° F). She is slightly confused but able to drink water. Nursing care while waiting for transport to the hospital should include what intervention? a. Administer antipyretics. b. Administer salt tablets. c. Apply towels wet with cool water. d. Sponge with solution of rubbing alcohol and water.

ANS: C Heatstroke is a failure of normal thermoregulatory mechanisms. The onset is rapid with initial symptoms of headache, weakness, and disorientation. Immediate care is relocation to a cool environment, removal of clothing, and applying of cool water (wet towels or immersion). Antipyretics are not used because they are metabolized by the liver, which is already not functioning. Salt tablets are not indicated and may be harmful by increasing dehydration. Rubbing alcohol is not used.

The nurse is teaching infant care to parents with an infant who has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). What should the nurse include in the teaching session? a. "Bisphosphonate therapy is not beneficial for OI." b. "Physical therapy should be avoided as it may cause damage to bones." c. "Lift the infant by the buttocks, not the ankles, when changing diapers." d. "The infant should meet expected gross motor development without assistive devices."

ANS: C Infants and children with this disorder require careful handling to prevent fractures. They must be supported when they are being turned, positioned, moved, and held. Even changing a diaper may cause a fracture in severely affected infants. These children should never be held by the ankles when being diapered but should be gently lifted by the buttocks or supported with pillows. Bisphosphonate and physical therapy are beneficial for OI. Lightweight braces will be used when the child starts to ambulate.

A child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is started on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). What nursing consideration should be included? a. Monitor heart rate. b. Administer NSAIDs between meals. c. Check for abdominal pain and bloody stools. d. Expect inflammation to be gone in 3 or 4 days.

ANS: C NSAIDs are the first-line drugs used in JIA. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal (GI), renal, and hepatic side effects. The child is at risk for GI bleeding and elevated blood pressure. The heart rate is not affected by this drug class. NSAIDs should be given with meals to minimize gastrointestinal problems. The anti-inflammatory response usually takes 3 weeks before effectiveness can be evaluated.

The nurse uses the five Ps to assess ischemia in a child with a fracture. What finding is considered a late and ominous sign? a. Petaling b. Posturing c. Pulselessness d. Positioning

ANS: C Puslselessness is an ominous sign that requires immediate notification of the practitioner. Permanent muscle and tissue damage can occur within 6 hr. The other signs of ischemia that need to be reported are pain, pallor, pulselessness, and paralysis. Petaling is a method of placing protective or smooth edges on a cast. Posturing is not a sign of peripheral ischemia. Finding a position of comfort can be difficult with a fracture. It would not be an ominous sign unless pain was increasing or uncontrollable.

What should the nurse plan for an immobilized child in cervical traction to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? a. Elevate the child's legs. b. Place a foot cradle on the bed. c. Place a pillow under the child's knees. d. Assist the child to dorsiflex the feet and rotate the ankles.

ANS: D For a child who is immobilized, circulatory stasis and DVT development are prevented by instructing patients to change positions frequently, dorsiflex their feet and rotate the ankles, sit in a bedside chair periodically, or ambulate several times daily. Elevating the legs or placing a foot cradle on the bed will not prevent DVTs. A pillow under the knee would impair circulation, not improve it.

Parents are considering treatment options for their 5-year-old child with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Both surgical and conservative therapies are appropriate. They are able to verbalize the differences between the therapies when they make what statement? a. "All therapies require extended periods of bed rest." b. "Conservative therapy will be required until puberty." c. "Our child cannot attend school during the treatment phase." d. "If conservative measures are unsuccessful, surgical reconstruction may be necessary."

ANS: D Surgical correction involves additional risks of anesthesia, infection, and possibly blood transfusion. The recovery period is only 3 to 4 months rather than the 2 to 4 years of conservative therapies. The use of non-weight-bearing appliances and surgical intervention does not require prolonged bed rest. Conservative therapy is indicated for 2 to 4 years. The child is encouraged to attend school and engage in activities that can be adapted to therapeutic appliances.

The nurse is teaching parents the proper use of a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO) for their 4-year-old child. The parents demonstrate basic essential knowledge by making what statement? a. "Alcohol will be used twice a day to clean the skin around the brace." b. "Weekly visits to the orthotist are scheduled to check screws for tightness." c. "Initially, a burning sensation is expected and the brace should remain in place." d. "Condition of the skin in contact with the brace should be checked every 4 hr."

ANS: D This type of brace has several contact points with the child's skin. To minimize the risk of skin breakdown and facilitate use of the brace, vigilant skin monitoring is necessary. Alcohol should not be used on the skin. It is drying. Parents are capable of checking and tightening the screws when necessary. If a burning sensation occurs, the brace should be removed. If several complaints of burning occur, the orthotist should be contacted.

The nurse is caring for an immobilized preschool child. What intervention is helpful during this period of immobilization? a. Encourage wearing pajamas. b. Let the child have few behavioral limitations. c. Keep the child away from other immobilized children if possible. d. Take the child for a "walk" by wagon outside the room.

ANS: D Transporting the child outside of the room by stretcher, wheelchair, or wagon increases environmental stimuli and provides social contact. Street clothes are preferred for hospitalized children. This decreases the sense of illness and disability. The child needs appropriate limits for both adherence to the medical regimen and developmental concerns. It is not necessary to keep the child away from other immobilized children.