The nurse is caring for a school-age child diagnosed with ...

[melina_rosy]

The nurse is caring for a school-age child diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Which intervention should be a priority?
 
  a. Apply ice packs to relieve stiffness and pain.
  b. Administer acetaminophen to reduce inflammation.
  c. Teach the child and family correct administration of medications.
  d. Encourage range-of-motion exercises during periods of inflammation.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old child with a left leg below the knee amputation (BKA). The child had the surgery 1 week ago. Which intervention should the nurse plan to implement for this child?
 
  a. Elevate the left stump on a pillow.
  b. Place ice pack on the stump.
  c. Encourage the child to use an overhead bed trapeze when repositioning.
  d. Replace the ace wrap covering the stump with a gauze dressing.

[itsakadoozi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The management of JIA is primarily pharmacologic. The family should be instructed regarding administration of medications and the value of regular schedule of administration to maintain a satisfactory blood level in the body. They need to know that NSAIDs should not be given on an empty stomach and to be alert for signs of toxicity. Warm moist heat is best for relieving stiffness and pain. Acetaminophen does not have antiinflammatory effects. Range-of-motion exercises should not be done during periods of inflammation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Use of the overhead bed trapeze should be encouraged to begin to build up the arm muscles necessary for walking with crutches. Stump elevation may be used during the first 24 hours, but after this time, the extremity should not be left in this position because contractures in the proximal joint will develop and seriously hamper ambulation. Ice would not be an appropriate intervention and would decrease circulation to the stump. Stump shaping is done postoperatively with special elastic bandaging using a figure-eight bandage, which applies pressure in a cone-shaped fashion. This technique decreases stump edema, controls hemorrhage, and aids in developing desired contours so the child will bear weight on the posterior aspect of the skin flap rather than on the end of the stump. This wrap should not be replaced with a gauze dressing.

[melina_rosy]

Correct answers!

[itsakadoozi]

Great! Please up vote