Unit 10 - Musculoskeletal + Derm

Which hip position should be avoided in an 8mo with DDH 1. Extension 2. Abduction 3. Internal rotation 4. External rotation

3. Internal rotation

Which would the nurse expect to assess on a 3wo infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip? 1. excessive hip abduction 2. femoral lengthening of an affected leg 3. asymmetry of gluteal and thigh folds 4. pain when lying prone

3. asymmetry of gluteal and thigh folds

Which should the nurse stress to the parents of an infant in a pavlik harness for treatment of DDH 1. put socks on over the foot pieces of the harness to help stablize it 2. use lotions or powder on the skin to prevent rubbing of straps 3. remove harness during diaper changes for ease of cleaning diaper area 4. check under the straps at least 2-3x/day for red areas

4. check under the straps at least 2-3x/day for red areas

Which is an effective strategy to reduce the stress of burn dressing procedures? a. Give child as many choices as possible. b. Reassure child that dressing changes are not painful. c. Explain to child why analgesics cannot be used. d. Encourage child to master stress with controlled passivity.

ANS: A Children who understand the procedure and have some perceived control demonstrate less maladaptive behavior. They respond well to participating in decisions and should be given as many choices as possible. The dressing change procedure is painful and stressful. Misinformation should not be given to the child. Analgesia and sedation can and should be used. Encouraging the child to master stress with controlled passivity is not a positive coping strategy.

Which is usually the only symptom of pediculosis capitis (head lice)? a. Itching b. Vesicles c. Scalp rash d. Localized inflammatory response

ANS: A Itching is generally the only manifestation of pediculosis capitis (head lice). Diagnosis is made by observation of the white eggs (nits) on the hair shaft. Vesicles, scalp rash, and localized inflammatory response are not symptoms of head lice.

A child with extensive burns requires débridement. The nurse should anticipate which priority goal related to this procedure? a. Reduce pain. b. Prevent bleeding. c. Maintain airway. d. Restore fluid balance.

ANS: A Partial-thickness burns require débridement of devitalized tissue to promote healing. The procedure is painful and requires analgesia and sedation before the procedure. Preventing bleeding, maintaining the airway, and restoring fluid balance are not goals associated with débridement.

The most immediate threat to life in children with thermal injuries is: a. shock. b. anemia. c. local infection. d. systemic sepsis.

ANS: A The immediate threat to life in children with thermal injuries is airway compromise and profound shock. Anemia is not of immediate concern. During the healing phase, local infection or sepsis are the primary complications. Respiratory problems, primarily airway compromise, are the primary complications during the acute stage of burn injury.

Hydrotherapy is required to treat a child with extensive partial-thickness burn wounds. Which is the primary purpose of hydrotherapy? a. Débride the wounds. b. Increase peripheral blood flow. c. Provide pain relief. d. Destroy bacteria on the skin.

ANS: A The water acts to loosen and remove sloughing tissue, exudate, and topical medications. Increasing peripheral blood flow, providing pain relief, and destroying bacteria on the skin may be secondary benefits to hydrotherapy, but the primary purpose is for débridement.

The nurse is preparing an adolescent with scoliosis for a Luque-rod segmental spinal instrumentation procedure. Which consideration should the nurse include? a. Nasogastric intubation and urinary catheter may be required. b. Ambulation will not be allowed for up to 3 months. c. Surgery eliminates the need for casting and bracing. d. Discomfort can be controlled with nonpharmacologic methods.

ANS: A Luque-rod segmental spinal instrumentation is a surgical procedure. Nasogastric intubation and urinary catheterization may be required. Ambulation is allowed as soon as possible. Depending on the instrumentation used, most patients walk by the second or third postoperative day. Casting and bracing are required postoperatively. The child usually has considerable pain for the first few days after surgery. Intravenous opioids should be administered on a regular basis.

The nurse should monitor for which effect on the cardiovascular system when a child is immobilized? 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. A decreased vasopressor mechanism results in orthostatic hypotension, syncope, hypotension, decreased cerebral blood flow, and tachycardia. An altered distribution of blood volume is found with decreased cardiac workload and exercise tolerance. Immobilization causes a decreased efficiency of orthostatic neurovascular reflexes with an inability to adapt readily to the upright position and with pooling of blood in the extremities in the upright position.

The nurse is caring for an infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply.) a. Positive Ortolani click b. Unequal gluteal folds c. Negative Babinski sign d. Trendelenburg sign e. Telescoping of the affected limb f. Lordosis

ANS: A, B A positive Ortolani test and unequal gluteal folds are clinical manifestations of developmental dysplasia of the hip seen from birth to 2 to 3 months. Unequal gluteal folds, negative Babinski sign, and Trendelenburg sign are signs that appear in older infants and children. Telescoping of the affected limb and lordosis are not clinical manifestations of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

A child is admitted with extensive burns. The nurse notes that there are burns on the child's lips and singed nasal hairs. The nurse should suspect that the child has a(n): a. chemical burn. b. inhalation injury. c. electrical burn. d. hot-water scald.

ANS: B Evidence of an inhalation injury is burns of the face and lips, singed nasal hairs, and laryngeal edema. Clinical manifestation may be delayed for up to 24 hours. Chemical burns, electrical burns, and those associated with hot-water scalds would not cause singed nasal hair.

Which is an important consideration for the nurse when changing dressings and applying topical medication to a child's abdomen and leg burns? a. Apply topical medication with clean hands. b. Wash hands and forearms before and after dressing change. c. If dressings adhere to the wound, soak in hot water before removal. d. Apply dressing so that movement is limited during the healing process.

ANS: B Frequent hand and forearm washing is the single most important element of the infection-control program. Topical medications should be applied with a tongue blade or gloved hand. Dressings that have adhered to the wound can be removed with tepid water or normal saline. Dressings are applied with sufficient tension to remain in place but not so tightly as to impair circulation or limit motion.

A toddler sustains a minor burn on the hand from hot coffee. Which is the first action the nurse should recommend in treating this burn? a. Apply ice to burned area. b. Hold burned area under cool running water. c. Break any blisters with a sterile needle. d. Cleanse wound with soap and warm water.

ANS: B In minor burns, the best method to stop the burning process is to hold the burned area under cool running water. Ice is not recommended. Removal of blisters is not generally accepted therapy unless the injury is from a chemical substance. Cooling is necessary to stop the burning process.

Biologic dressings are applied to a child with partial-thickness burns of both legs. Which nursing intervention should be implemented? a. Observing wounds for bleeding b. Observing wounds for signs of infection c. Monitoring closely for signs of shock d. Splinting legs to prevent movement

ANS: B When applied early to a superficial partial-thickness injury, biologic dressings stimulate epithelial growth and hasten wound healing. If the dressing covers areas of heavy microbial contamination, infection occurs beneath the dressing. In the case of partial-thickness burns, such infection may convert the wound to a full-thickness injury. Infection is the primary concern when biologic dressings are used.

The nurse is caring for a preschool child immobilized by a spica cast. Which effect on metabolism should the nurse monitor on this child related to the immobilized status? 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. Immobilization leads to hypercalcemia and causes a negative nitrogen balance secondary to muscle atrophy. A decreased production of stress hormones occurs with decreased physical and emotional coping capacity.

Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn? a. Erythema and pain b. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation c. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue d. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone

ANS: C A third-degree, or full-thickness, burn is a serious injury that involves the entire epidermis and dermis and extends into the subcutaneous tissues. Erythema and pain are characteristic of a first-degree, or superficial, burn. Erythema with blister formation is characteristic of a second-degree, or partial-thickness, burn. A fourth-degree burn is a full-thickness burn that also involves underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone.

Which is one of the first signs of overwhelming sepsis in a child with burn injuries? a. Seizures b. Bradycardia c. Disorientation d. Decreased blood pressure

ANS: C Disorientation in the burn patient is one of the first signs of overwhelming sepsis and may indicate inadequate hydration. Seizures, bradycardia, and decreased blood pressure are not initial manifestations of overwhelming sepsis.

The nurse is taking care of a child with scabies. Which primary clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to assess with this disease? a. Edema b. Redness c. Pruritus d. Maceration

ANS: C Scabies is caused by the scabies mite. The inflammatory response and intense itching occur after the host has become sensitized to the mite. This occurs approximately 30 to 60 days after initial contact. Edema, redness, and maceration are not observed in scabies.

Nursing care of the infant with atopic dermatitis focuses on: a. feeding a variety of foods. b. keeping lesions dry. c. preventing infection. d. using fabric softener to avoid rough cloth.

ANS: C The eczematous lesions of atopic dermatitis are intensely pruritic. Scratching can lead to new lesions and secondary infection. The infant's nails should be kept short and clean and have no sharp edges. In periods of irritability, these children tend to have a decreased appetite. The restriction of hyperallergenic foods, such as milk, dairy products, peanuts, and eggs, may make adequate nutrition a challenge with these children. Wet soaks and compresses are used to keep the lesions moist and minimize the pruritus. Fabric softener should be avoided because of the irritant effects of some of its components.

Nitrous oxide is being administered to a child with extensive burn injuries. Which is the purpose of this medication? a. Promote healing. b. Prevent infection. c. Provide anesthesia. d. Improve urinary output.

ANS: C The use of short-acting anesthetic agents, such as propofol and nitrous oxide, has proven beneficial in eliminating procedural pain. Nitrous oxide is an anesthetic agent.

Which explains physiologically the edema formation that occurs with burns? a. Vasoconstriction b. Decreased capillary permeability c. Increased capillary permeability d. Decreased hydrostatic pressure within capillaries

ANS: C With a major burn, an increase in capillary permeability occurs, allowing plasma proteins, fluids, and electrolytes to be lost. Maximal edema in a small wound occurs about 8 to 12 hours after injury. In larger injuries, the maximal edema may not occur until 18 to 24 hours. Vasoconstriction, decreased capillary permeability, and decreased hydrostatic pressure within capillaries are not physiologic mechanisms for edema formation in burn patients.

A school nurse is conducting a staff in-service to other school nurses on idiopathic scoliosis. During which period of child development does idiopathic scoliosis become most noticeable? a. Newborn period b. When child starts to walk c. Preadolescent growth spurt d. Adolescence

ANS: C Idiopathic scoliosis is most noticeable during the preadolescent growth spurt. Idiopathic scoliosis is seldom apparent before age 10 years. Diagnosis usually occurs during the preadolescent growth spurt.

The nurse is teaching a family how to care for their infant in a Pavlik harness to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which 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. Lotions and powders should not be used with the harness. The harness should not be removed, except as directed by the practitioner. A thin disposable diaper can be placed under the harness.

The nurse is taking care of a 10-year-old child who has osteomyelitis. Which treatment plan is considered the primary method of treating osteomyelitis? a. Joint replacement b. Bracing and casting c. Intravenous antibiotic therapy d. Long-term corticosteroid therapy

ANS: C Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment of choice is antibiotics. Joint replacement, bracing and casting, and long-term corticosteroid therapy are not indicated for infectious processes.

A neonate is born with bilateral mild talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). When the parents ask the nurse how this will be corrected, the nurse should give which explanation? 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. Serial casting is the preferred treatment. Surgical intervention is done only if serial casting is not successful. Children do not improve without intervention.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in the infant is: a. easily cured. b. worse in humid climates. c. associated with upper respiratory tract infections. d. associated with allergy with a hereditary tendency.

ANS: D Atopic dermatitis is a type of pruritic eczema that usually begins during infancy and is associated with allergy with a hereditary tendency. Atopic dermatitis can be controlled but not cured. Manifestations of the disease are worse when environmental humidity is lower. Atopic dermatitis is not associated with respiratory tract infections.

After the acute stage and during the healing process, the primary complication from burn injury is: a. asphyxia. b. shock. c. renal shutdown. d. infection.

ANS: D During the healing phase, local infection and sepsis are the primary complications. Renal shutdown is not a complication of the burn injury, but may be a result of the profound shock.

An adolescent girl is cooking on a gas stove when her bathrobe catches fire. Her father smothers the flames with a rug and calls an ambulance. She has sustained major burns over much of her body. Which is important in her immediate care? a. Wrap her in a blanket until help arrives. b. Encourage her to drink clear liquids. c. Place her in a tub of cool water. d. Remove her burned clothing and jewelry.

ANS: D In major burns, burned clothing should be removed to avoid further damage from smoldering fabric and hot beads of melted synthetic materials. Jewelry is also removed to eliminate the transfer of heat from the metal and constriction resulting from edema formation. The burns should be covered, not wrapped with a clean cloth. A blanket can be used initially to stop the burning process. Fluids should not be given by mouth to avoid aspiration and water intoxication. The child should be kept warm. Placing her in a tub of cool water will exacerbate heat loss.

A young child has sustained a minor burn to the foot. Which is recommended for treatment of a minor burn? a. Apply ice to foot. b. Apply cortisone ointment. c. Apply an occlusive dressing. d. Cleanse the wound with a mild soap and tepid water.

ANS: D In minor burns, the best method of treatment is to cleanse the wound with a mild soap and tepid water. Ice is not recommended. Most practitioners favor covering the wound with an antimicrobial ointment (not cortisone) to reduce the risk of infection and to provide some form of pain relief. The dressing is not occlusive but consists of nonadherent fine-mesh gauze placed over the ointment and a light wrap of gauze dressing that avoids interference with movement. This helps keep the wound clean and protects it from trauma.

A parent of a child with major burns asks the nurse why a high-calorie and high-protein diet is prescribed. Which response should the nurse make? a. The diet promotes growth. b. The diet will improve appetite. c. The diet will diminish risks of stress-induced hyperglycemia. d. The diet will avoid protein breakdown.

ANS: D The diet must provide sufficient calories to meet the increased metabolic needs and enough protein to avoid protein breakdown. Healing, not growth is the primary consideration. Many children have poor appetites, and supplementation will be necessary. Hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia, can occur from the stress of burn injury because the liver glycogen stores are rapidly depleted.

The family of a 4-month-old infant will be vacationing at the beach. Which should the nurse teach the family about exposure of the infant to the sun? a. Use sun block on the infant's nose and ear tips. b. Use topical sunscreen product with a sun protective factor of 15. c. The infant can be exposed to the sun for 15-minute increments. d. Keep the infant in total shade at all times.

ANS: D The infant should be kept out of the sun or be physically shaded from it. Fabric with a tight weave, such as cotton, offers good protection. Infants should be covered with clothing or in the shade to prevent sun damage on the delicate skin at all times. The blocker can protect the nose and ear tips, but none of the infant's skin should be exposed. Sunscreens should not be used extensively on infants younger than 6 months.

The nurse is talking to the parents of a child with pediculosis capitis. Which should the nurse include when explaining how to manage pediculosis capitis? a. "You will need to cut the hair shorter if infestation and nits are severe." b. "You can distinguish viable from nonviable nits, and remove all viable ones." c. "You can wash all nits out of hair with a regular shampoo." d. "You will need to remove nits with an extra-fine tooth comb or tweezers."

ANS: D Treatment consists of the application of pediculicide and manual removal of nit cases. An extra-fine tooth comb facilitates manual removal. Parents should be cautioned against cutting the child's hair short; lice infest short hair as well as long. It increases the child's distress and serves as a continual reminder to peers who are prone to tease children with a different appearance. It is not possible to differentiate between viable and nonviable eggs. Regular shampoo is not effective; a pediculicide is necessary.

Which should 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. The five Ps of ischemia from a vascular injury are pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis. Paresthesia is an indication of vascular injury, not infection. Cold toes may be indicative of too tight a cast and need further evaluation. Increased respirations may be indicative of a respiratory tract infection or pulmonary emboli. This should be reported, and child should be evaluated.