Author Question: The nurse is conducting preoperative teaching to parents and their child about an external fixation ... (Read 78 times)

PhilipSeeMore · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The nurse is conducting preoperative teaching to parents and their child about an external fixation device. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

a. Pin care
b. Crutch walking
c. Modifications in activity
d. Observing pin sites for infection
e. Full weight bearing will be allowed after 24 hours

Question 2

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.

duke02 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, D
The device is attached surgically by securing a series of external full or half rings to the bone with wires. Children and parents should be instructed in pin care, including observation for infection and loosening of pins. Partial weight bearing is allowed, and the child needs to learn to walk with crutches. Alterations in activity include modifications at school and in physical education. Full weight bearing is not allowed until the distraction is completed and bone consolidation has occurred.

Answer to Question 2

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.