Author Question: Which interventions should the nurse include in the home care instructions for the parents of a ... (Read 74 times)

Deast7027 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Which interventions should the nurse include in the home care instructions for the parents of a child who has a cast applied to the left forearm? Select all that apply.

a. Keep small toys away from the cast.
b. Use a padded ruler to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
c. Daily assess the cast for unusual odors.
d. Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours.
e. Numbness and tingling in the extremity is expected.

Question 2

The nurse should perform which action while providing care for a child with acute osteomyelitis? Select all that apply.

a. Turn the child every 1 to 2 hours.
b. Assist with range-of-motion exercises every 2 hours.
c. Monitor peak and trough antibiotic serum levels.
d. Premedicate the child with an analgesic before any repositioning.

eliasc0401 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A, C, D
Small toys should be kept away from the cast as they can become lodged inside the cast. The cast should be inspected daily for any unusual odors, which can indicate infection. The extremity should be elevated for the first 24 to 48 hours to decrease edema. Nothing should be placed inside the cast. If numbness or tingling is experienced the physician should be notified.

Answer to Question 2

C, D
Assessment of the child's response to the antibiotics is an integral part of treatment. Antibiotics are administered over an extended period of time and high-dose therapy may be necessary. Peak and trough serum antibiotic levels are closely monitored. During the acute phase, pain may be severe and the child should be premedicated with an analgesic before any repositioning. During the acute phase of the disease, the child is not moved frequently to control the spread of infection. Range-of-motion exercises would not be done in the acute phase of the disease process. The child is placed on complete bed rest; after several days of healing, physical therapy with passive range of motion exercises is indicated to prevent contractures.