The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old boy in traction prior to ...

[pepyto]

The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old boy in traction prior to surgery for slipped capital femoral epiphysis. He has been in an acute care setting for 2 weeks and will require an additional 10 days in the hospital.
 
  He is complaining that he feels isolated and is resisting further treatment. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) I know it is boring, but you must remain immobile for 2 more weeks..
  B) If there are no complications, you only have 2 more weeks here..
  C) Let's come up with things to do like books, movies, games, and friends to visit..
  D) If you resist your treatment, your condition will only get worse..

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old in traction. While performing a skin assessment, the nurse notices that the skin over the calcaneus appears slightly red and irritated. Which action would the nurse do first?
 
  A) Reposition the child's foot on a pressure-reducing device
  B) Apply lotion to his foot to maintain skin integrity
  C) Make sure the skin is clean and dry
  D) Gently massage his foot to promote circulation

[cdmart10]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
After 2 weeks in traction, a teenager can become easily bored and isolated from usual peer interaction. The most helpful intervention would be to engage the help of the child to develop a list of books, games, movies, and other activities that he would enjoy. The nurse should also encourage visitation and phone calls from friends. Telling the adolescent that he needs to remain immobile or telling him that he has only 2 more weeks do not address the adolescent's issue. Telling the adolescent that his condition will worsen if he resists is threatening and inappropriate.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
The nurse's first action is to remove continuous pressure from this area. The other actions can help decrease the potential for skin breakdown, but the pressure must be relieved first.