Ch 29: Musculoskeletal or Articular Dysfunction

An appropriate nursing intervention when caring for a child in traction would be which of the following? a. Remove adhesive traction straps daily to prevent skin breakdown. b. Assess for tightness, weakness, or contractures in uninvolved joints and muscles. c. Provide active range-of-motion exercises to affected extremity three times a day. d. Keep child in one position 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.

Which of the following can result from the bone demineralization associated with immobility? a. Osteoporosis b. Urinary retention c. Pooling of blood d. Susceptibility to infection

ANS: A Bone demineralization leads to a negative calcium balance, osteoporosis, pathologic fractures, extraosseous bone formation, and renal calculi.

Which of the following terms is used to describe a type of fracture that does not produce a break in the skin? a. Simple b. Compound c. Complicated d. Comminuted

ANS: A If a fracture does not produce a break in the skin, it is called a simple, or closed, fracture.

A child is upset because, when the cast is removed from her leg, the skin surface is caked with desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions. Which of the following should the nurse suggest to remove this material? a. Soak in a bathtub. b. Vigorously scrub leg. c. Apply powder to absorb material. d. Carefully pick material off leg.

ANS: A Simple soaking in the bathtub is usually sufficient for the removal of the desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions. It may take several days to eliminate the accumulation completely.

A young girl has just injured her ankle at school. In addition to calling the child's parents, the most appropriate, immediate action by the school nurse is which of the following? a. Apply ice. b. Observe for edema and discoloration. c. Encourage child to assume a position of comfort. d. Obtain parental permission for administration of acetaminophen or aspirin.

ANS: A Soft-tissue injuries should be iced immediately. In addition to ice, the extremity should be rested, be elevated, and have compression applied.

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.

Four-year-old David is placed in Buck extension traction for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. He is crying with pain as the nurse assesses that the skin of his right foot is pale with an absence of pulse. What should the nurse do first? a. Notify the practitioner of the changes noted. b. Give the child medication to relieve the pain. c. Reposition the child and notify physician. d. Chart the observations and check the extremity again in 15 minutes.

ANS: A The absence of a pulse and change in color of the foot must be reported immediately for evaluation by the practitioner.

Immobilization causes which of the following effects on the cardiovascular system? a. Venous stasis b. Increased vasopressor mechanism c. Normal distribution of blood volume d. Increased efficiency of orthostatic neurovascular reflexes

ANS: A The physiologic effects of immobilization, as a result of decreased muscle contraction, include venous stasis. This can lead to pulmonary emboli or thrombi.

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.

What measure is important in managing hypercalcemia in a child who is immobilized? a. Provide adequate hydration. b. Change position frequently. c. Encourage a diet high in calcium. d. Provide a diet high in calories for healing.

ANS: A Vigorous hydration is indicated to prevent problems with hypercalcemia. Suggested intake for an adolescent is 3000 to 4000 ml/day of fluids. Diuretics are used to promote the removal of calcium. Changing position is important for skin and respiratory concerns. Calcium in the diet is restricted when possible. A high-protein diet served as frequent snacks with favored foods is recommended. A high-calorie diet without adequate protein will not promote healing.

The potential physiologic and psychological effects of prolonged immobilization in a 9 year old child who has experienced significant trauma in a MVA include which of the following (Select all that apply): A. Orthostatic intolerance B. DVT C. Pressure ulcer formation D. Pneumonia E. Diarrhea F. Kidney stones G. sense of euphoria and elation H. Constipation

ANS: A, B, C, D, F, H

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 child immobilized because of Russel traction. What interventions should the nurse implement to prevent renal calculi? (Select all that apply.) a. Monitor output. b. Encourage the patient to drink apple juice. c. Encourage milk intake. d. Ensure adequate fluids. e. Encourage the patient to drink cranberry juice.

ANS: A, D, E To prevent renal calculi in a child who is immobilized, a nurse should monitor output; ensure adequate fluids; and encourage cranberry juice, which acidifies urine. Apple juice and milk alkalize the urine, so they should not be encouraged.

A nurse working in triage in the emergency room is assessing a pediatric patient, age 4, who presents with pain in the wrist. The patient refuses to move the involved extremity. Questioning of the patient and parent reveal no trauma event. Based on this observation the nurse suspects that the patient may have A. compound fracture. B. partial dislocation or subluxation. C complication of immobilization. D. overuse of extremity.

ANS: B A common occurrence seen in young children is subluxation, partial dislocation of the radial head, called pulled elbow or nursemaid's elbow. This occurs in response to a pulling traction response due to an individual pulling the child's extremity in response to an action to protect the child. It is not seen as a complication of immobilization or overuse of the extremity. The clinical presentation is not consistent with a compound fracture as the bone would be protruding from the skin.

Which of the following is an advantage to using a fiberglass cast instead of a plaster of Paris cast? a. Cheaper b. Dries rapidly c. Molds closely to body parts d. Smooth exterior

ANS: B A synthetic casting material dries in 5 to 30 minutes as compared with a plaster cast, which takes 10 to 72 hours to dry.

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 childs 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.

The middle school nurse is speaking to parents about prevention of injuries as a goal of the physical education program. How should the goal be achieved? a. Use of protective equipment at the familys discretion b. Education of adults to recognize signs that indicate a risk for injury c. Sports medicine program to help student athletes work through overuse injuries d. Arrangements for multiple sports to use same athletic fields to accommodate more children

ANS: B Adults close to sports activities need to be aware of the early warning signs of fatigue, dehydration, and risk for injury. School policy should require mandatory use of protective equipment. Proper sports medicine therapy does not support working through overuse injuries. Too many students involved in different activities create distractions, which contribute to the child losing focus. This is a contributing factor to injury.

Kristin, age 10 years, sustained a fracture in the epiphyseal plate of her right fibula when she fell out of a tree. When discussing this injury with her parents, the nurse should consider which of the following? a. Healing is usually delayed in this type of fracture. b. Bone growth can be affected by this type of fracture. c. This is an unusual fracture site in young children. d. This type of fracture is inconsistent with a fall.

ANS: B Detection of epiphyseal injuries is sometimes difficult, but fractures involving the epiphysis or epiphyseal plate present special problems in determining whether bone growth will be affected.

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.

What finding is characteristic of fractures in children? a. Fractures rarely occur at the growth plate site because it absorbs shock well. b. Rapidity of healing is inversely related to the childs age. c. Pliable bones of growing children are less porous than those of adults. d. The periosteum of a childs bone is thinner, is weaker, and has less osteogenic potential compared to that of an adult.

ANS: B Healing is more rapid in children. The younger the child, the more rapid the healing process. Nonunion of bone fragments is uncommon except in severe injuries. The epiphyseal plate is the weakest point of long bones and a frequent site of injury during trauma. Childrens bones are more pliable and porous than those of adults. This allows them to bend, buckle, and break. The greater porosity increases the flexibility of the bone and dissipates and absorbs a significant amount of the force on impact. The adult periosteum is thinner, is weaker, and has less osteogenic potential than that of a child.

2. Immobilization causes which of the following effects on metabolism? a. Hypocalcemia b. Decreased metabolic rate c. Positive nitrogen balance d. Increased production of stress hormones

ANS: B Immobilization causes a decreased metabolic rate with slowing of all systems and a decreased food intake

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.

A 4-year-old child is placed in Buck extension traction for Legg-Calv-Perthes disease. He is crying with pain as the nurse assesses the skin of his right foot and sees that it is pale with an absence of pulse. What should the nurse do first? a. Reposition the child and notify the practitioner. b. Notify the practitioner of the changes noted. c. Give the child medication to relieve the pain. d. Chart the observations and check the extremity again in 15 minutes.

ANS: B The absence of a pulse and change in color of the foot must be reported immediately for evaluation by the practitioner. This is an emergency condition. Pain medication should be given after the practitioner is notified. The findings should be documented with ongoing assessment.

A 3-year-old child has a femoral shaft fracture. The nurse recognizes that the approximate healing time for this child is how long? a. 2 weeks b. 4 weeks c. 6 weeks d. 8 weeks

ANS: B The approximate healing times for a femoral shaft fracture are as follows: neonatal period, 2 to 3 weeks; early childhood, 4 weeks; later childhood, 6 to 8 weeks; and adolescence, 8 to 12 weeks.

The nurse knows that parents need further teaching with regard to the treatment of congenital clubfoot when they state what? a. Well keep the cast dry. b. Were happy this is the only cast our baby will need. c. Well watch for any swelling of the foot while the cast is on. d. Were 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.

A 7-year-old child has just had a cast applied for a fractured arm with the wrist and elbow immobilized. What information should be included in the home care instructions? a. No restrictions of activity are indicated. b. Elevate casted arm when both upright and resting. c. The shoulder should be kept as immobile as possible to avoid pain. d. Swelling of the fingers is to be expected. Notify a health professional if it persists more than 48 hours.

ANS: B The injured extremity should be kept elevated while resting and in a sling when upright. This will increase venous return. The child should not engage in strenuous activity for the first few days. Rest with elevation of the extremity is encouraged. Joints above and below the cast on the affected extremity should be moved. Swelling of the fingers may indicate neurovascular damage and should be reported immediately. Permanent damage can occur within 6 to 8 hours.

An adolescent is in traction. The purpose of the traction is to fatigue the muscle and reduce muscle spasm so that the bones can be realigned. Nursing actions should include which of the following? a. Maintain continuous traction until muscle spasm ceases. b. Maintain continuous traction to prevent muscle from contracting. c. Release traction every hour to allow muscle to briefly regain its contractibility. d. Release traction once every 8 hours to allow muscle to briefly regain its contractibility.

ANS: B When the muscles are stretched, muscle spasm ceases and permits realignment of the bone ends. The continued maintenance of traction is important during this phase because releasing the traction allows the muscle's normal contracting ability to again cause of malpositioning of the bone ends.

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.

A pediatric patient at risk for developing complications of immobility during the postoperative period should have which measures incorporated into the plan of care? Select all that apply. A. Place in supine position with extremities in alignment. B. Plan for play activities as tolerated. C. Include range of motion, both active and passive as tolerated. D. Limit nutritional intake until previous mobility pattern is restored. E. Maintain hydration during postoperative period.

ANS: B, C, E Although extremities should be maintained in proper alignment, the individual should not be placed in the supine position but rather placed in an upright posture when possible. Planning for play, performing range of motion exercise and maintaining hydration are all important elements of care to help prevent complications of immobility. Nutritional intake should include high protein, high fiber food sources.

The nurse is teaching a child with a cast about cast removal. What should the nurse teach the child about cast removal? a. The cast cutter will be a quiet machine. b. You will feel cold as the cast is removed. c. You will feel a tickly sensation as the cast is removed. d. The cast cutter cuts through the cast like a circular saw.

ANS: C Cutting the cast to remove it or to relieve tightness is frequently a frightening experience for children. They fear the sound of the cast cutter and are terrified that their flesh, as well as the cast, will be cut. Because it works by vibration, a cast cutter cuts only the hard surface of the cast. The oscillating blade vibrates back and forth very rapidly and will not cut when placed lightly on the skin. Children have described it as producing a tickly sensation.

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized adolescent whose femur was fractured 18 hours 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 hours 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 is teaching a family how to care for their infant in a Pavlik harness to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which of the following should be included? a. Apply lotion or powder to minimize skin irritation. b. Remove harness several times a day to prevent contractures. c. Return to clinic every 1 to 2 weeks. d. Place diaper over harness, preferably using a superabsorbent disposable diaper that is relatively thin.

ANS: C Infants have a rapid growth pattern. The child needs to be assessed by the practitioner every 1 to 2 weeks for possible adjustments.

Parents bring a 7-year-old child to the clinic for evaluation of an injured wrist after a bicycle accident. The parents and child are upset, and the child will not allow an examination of the injured arm. What priority nursing intervention should occur at this time? a. Send the child to radiology so radiography can be performed. b. Initiate an intravenous line and administer morphine for the pain. c. Calmly ask the child to point to where the pain is worst and to wiggle fingers. d. Have the parents hold the child so that the nurse can examine the arm thoroughly.

ANS: C Initially, assessment is the priority. Because the child is alert but upset, the nurse should work to gain the childs trust. Initial data are gained by observing the childs ability to move the fingers and to point to the pain. Other important observations at this time are pallor and paresthesia. The child needs to be sent for radiography, but initial assessment data need to be obtained. Sending the child for radiography will increase the childs anxiety, making the examination difficult. It is inappropriate to ask parents to restrain their child. These parents are upset about the injury. If restraint is indicated, the nurse should obtain assistance from other personnel.

Which critical element should be included in a plan of care for a pediatric patient who has to be immobilized as part of the course of therapeutic intervention? A. Make sure that antiemetic therapy has been ordered. B. Including Braden scale measurement every 4 hours. C. Asking the patient to help organize individual care into a schedule. D. Restrict visitors to help maintain patient's environment.

ANS: C One of the critical elements for a pediatric patient is to allow them to participate in scheduling their care. This allows for the patient to have "self-care" choices which provides for more control over their environment. Antiemetic therapy and restriction of visitors may not be required and are related to the patient's immediate medical diagnosis. The Braden scale should be implemented but it is typically done once a shift and not every 4 hours.

The nurse uses the 6 Ps to assess ischemia in a child with a fracture. What finding is considered a late and ominous sign? a. Petaling b. Posturing c. Paresthesia d. Positioning

ANS: C Paresthesia distal to the injury or cast is an ominous sign that requires immediate notification of the practitioner. Permanent muscle and tissue damage can occur within 6 hours. 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.

Which of the following types of traction uses skin traction on the lower leg and a padded sling under the knee? a. Dunlop b. Bryant c. Russell d. Buck extension

ANS: C Russell traction uses skin traction on the lower leg and a padded sling under the knee. The combination of longitudinal and perpendicular traction allows realignment of the lower extremity and immobilizes the hips and knees in a flexed position.

A neonate is born with mild clubfeet. When the parents ask the nurse how this will be corrected, the nurse should explain that: a. traction is tried first. b. surgical intervention is needed. c. frequent, serial casting is tried first. d. children outgrow this condition when they learn to walk.

ANS: C Serial casting is begun shortly after birth before discharge from nursery. Successive casts allow for gradual stretching of skin and tight structures on the medial side of the foot. Manipulation and casting of the leg are repeated frequently (every week) to accommodate the rapid growth of early infancy.

A 3-year-old has just returned from surgery in a hip spica cast. The priority nursing intervention is to A. elevate the head of the bed. B. offer sips of water. C. check circulation, sensation, and motion of toes. D. turn the child to the right side, then the left side every 4 hours.

ANS: C The chief concern is that the extremity may continue to swell. The circulation, sensation, and motion of the toes must be assessed to ensure that the cast does not become a tourniquet and cause complications. Elevating the head of the bed might help with comfort, but it is not a priority. The nurse must be observant to the risk of increased swelling in the extremities. Offering sips of water is acceptable once assessment of the extremities has been completed. The child's position should be changed every 2 hours. Positioning a child with a spica cast is important to prevent injury.

An 8-year-old child is hit by a motor vehicle in the school parking lot. The school nurse notes that the child is responding to verbal stimulation but is not moving his extremities when requested. What is the first action the nurse should take? a. Wait for the childs parents to arrive. b. Move the child out of the parking lot. c. Have someone notify the emergency medical services (EMS) system. d. Help the child stand to return to play.

ANS: C The child was involved in a motor vehicle collision and at this time is not able to move his extremities. The child needs immediate attention at a hospital for assessment of the possibility of a spinal cord injury. Because the child cannot move his extremities, the child should not be moved until his cervical and vertebral spines are stabilized. The EMS team can appropriately stabilize the spinal column for transport. Although it is important to notify the parents, the EMS system should be activated and transport arranged for serious injuries. The only indication to move the child is to prevent further trauma.

A 12 year old who was in an ATV accident has a long-leg fiberglass cast on his left leg for a tib-fib fracture. He requests pain medication at 2:00 AM for pain he rates at 10/10. The nurse brings he pain medication and notes that he has removed the pillows that kept his leg elevated. He complains of pain in the left foot, and she notes that there is 3+ pitting edema in the exposed leg and foot, and she is unable to slip a finger under the cast. The nurses's priority interventions in this situation should include: A. Administer the pain medication and elevate the Childs leg on the pillows B. Elevate the leg on the pillows and follow up in 2 to 3 hours to see if the edema has decreases. C. Let the child know that he cannot have any additional pain medication until 6:00 AM D. Notify the surgeon of the findings immediately

ANS: D

Which of the following is a type of skin traction with legs in an extended position? a. Dunlop b. Bryant c. Russell d. Buck extension

ANS: D Buck extension traction is a type of skin traction with the legs in an extended position. It is used primarily for short-term immobilization, preoperatively with dislocated hips, for correcting contractures, or for bone deformities such as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

What is the rationale for elevating an extremity after a soft tissue injury such as a sprained ankle? A. Elevation increases the pain threshold. B. Elevation increases metabolism in the tissues. C. Elevation produces deep tissue vasodilation. D. Elevation reduces edema formation.

ANS: D Elevating the extremity uses gravity to facilitate venous return to reduce edema. Elevation should have not significant effect on the pain threshold or affect metabolism. Venous return to the heart, not vasodilation, is facilitated by elevation.

What should the nurse plan for an immobilized child in cervical traction to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? a. Elevate the childs legs. b. Place a foot cradle on the bed. c. Place a pillow under the childs 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.

Which of the following would cause a nurse to suspect that an infection has developed under a cast? a. Complaint of paresthesia b. Cold toes c. Increased respirations d. "Hot spots" felt on cast surface

ANS: D If hot spots are felt on the cast surface, they usually indicate infection beneath the area. This should be reported so that a window can be made in the cast to observe the site.

What statement is correct regarding sports injuries during adolescence? a. Conditioning does not help prevent many sports injuries. b. The increase in strength and vigor during adolescence helps prevent injuries related to fatigue. c. More injuries occur during organized athletic competition than during recreational sports participation. d. Adolescents may not possess insight and judgment to recognize when a sports activity is beyond their capabilities.

ANS: D Injuries occur when the adolescents body is not suited to the sport or when he or she lacks the insight and judgment to recognize that an activity exceeds his or her physical abilities. More injuries occur when an adolescents muscles and body systems (respiratory and cardiovascular) are not conditioned to endure physical stress. Injuries do not occur from fatigue but rather from overuse. All sports have the potential for injury to the participant, whether the youngster engages in serious competition or in sports for recreation. More injuries occur during recreational sports than during organized athletic competition.

What is a secondary effect when a child experiences decreased muscle strength, tone, and endurance from immobilization? A. Increased metabolism B. Increased venous return C. Increased cardiac output D. Decreased exercise tolerance

ANS: D Muscle disuse leads to tissue breakdown and loss of muscle mass or muscle atrophy. It may take weeks or months to recover. Metabolism decreases during periods of immobility. There is decreased venous return due to decreased muscle activity secondary to immobility. There is decreased cardiac output secondary to immobility.

The callus that develops at a fracture site is important because it provides A. use of the injured part. B. sufficient support for weight bearing. C. means for adequate blood supply. D. means for holding bone fragments together.

ANS: D New bone cells are formed in large numbers and stimulated to maximum activity. They are found at the site of the injury. In time, calcium salts are absorbed to form the callus. Functional use cannot occur until the fracture site is stable. Sufficient support for weight bearing cannot occur until the fracture site is stable. The callus does not provide an adequate blood supply.

Basic treatment of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries involves the use of RICE modalities during the first 12 to 24 hours. Which option would be included in RICE? A. Reusing chemical ice packs through the treatment period. B. Applying ice for 1 hour intervals throughout the treatment period. C. Pillows can used to achieve elevation of the extremity below the level of the heart. D. The extremity should be maintained in proper alignment and activity should be limited.

ANS: D R refers to rest and the involved extremity should be maintained in proper alignment with activity (range of motion) limited in order to prevent further damage. Reusing chemical ice packs is not acceptable. Ice should be applied for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Pillows can be used to elevate the extremity but it should be done above the level of the heart. To facilitate venous return and prevent fluid accumulation.

Parents are considering treatment options for their 5-year-old child with Legg-Calv-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. Surgical correction requires a 3- to 4-month recovery period.

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 nonweight-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.

A 4 year old is newly diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Nursing considerations include which of the following? a. Encourage normal activity for as long as is possible. b. Explain the cause of the disease to the child and family. c. Prepare child and family for long-term, permanent disabilities. d. Teach family the care and management of the corrective appliance.

ANS: D The family needs to learn the purpose, function, application, and care of the corrective device and the importance of compliance to achieve the desired outcome

The nurse is teaching the parents of a 7-year-old child who has just had a cast applied for a fractured arm with the wrist and elbow immobilized. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching? a. Swelling of the fingers is to be expected for the next 48 hours. b. Immobilize the shoulder to decrease pain in the arm. c. Allow the affected limb to hang down for 1 hour each day. d. Elevate casted arm when resting and when sitting up.

ANS: D The injured extremity should be kept elevated while resting and in a sling when upright. This will increase venous return.

Which of the following is a physiologic effect of immobilization on children? a. Metabolic rate increases. b. Increased joint mobility can lead to contractures in a short time. c. Bone calcium increases, releasing excess calcium into the body (hypercalcemia). d. Venous stasis can lead to thrombi or emboli formation.

ANS: D The physiologic effects of immobilization, as a result of decreased muscle contraction, include venous stasis. This can lead to pulmonary emboli or thrombi.

The nurse is teaching parents the proper use of a hipkneeanklefoot 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 hours.

ANS: D This type of brace has several contact points with the childs 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.

The nurse uses the palms of the hands when handling a wet cast for which of the following reasons? a. To assess dryness of the cast b. To facilitate easy turning c. To keep the patient's limb balanced d. To avoid indenting the cast

ANS: D Wet casts should be handled by the palms of the hands, not the fingers, to avoid creating pressure points.

A child with a hip spica cast is being prepared for discharge. Recognizing that caring for a child at home is complex, the nurse should include what instructions for the parents discharge teaching? a. Turn every 8 hours. b. Specially designed car restraints are necessary. c. Diapers should be avoided to reduce soiling of the cast. d. Use an abduction bar between the legs to aid in turning.

NS: B Standard seat belts and car seats may not be readily adapted for use by children in some casts. Specially designed car seats and restraints meet safety requirements. The child must have position changes much more frequently than every 8 hours. During feeding and play activities, the child should be moved for both physiologic and psychosocial benefit. Diapers and other strategies are necessary to maintain cleanliness. The abduction bar is never used as an aid for turning. Putting pressure on the bar may damage the integrity of the cast.