Kristin, age 10 years, sustained a fracture in the epiphyseal ...

[luminitza]

Kristin, age 10 years, sustained a fracture in the epiphyseal plate of her right fibula when she fell off of a tree. When discussing this injury with her parents, the nurse should consider which statement?
 
  a. Healing is usually delayed in this type of fracture.
  b. Growth can be affected by this type of fracture.
  c. This is an unusual fracture site in young children.
  d. This type of fracture is inconsistent with a fall.

Question 2

The nurse is conducting teaching to parents of a 7-year-old child who fractured an arm and is being discharged with a cast. Which instruction should be included in the teaching?
 
  a. Swelling of the fingers is to be expected for the next 48 hours.
  b. Immobilize the shoulder to decrease pain in the arm.
  c. Allow the affected limb to hang down for 1 hour each day.
  d. Elevate casted arm when resting and when sitting up.

[duke02]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Detection of epiphyseal injuries is sometimes difficult, but fractures involving the epiphysis or epiphyseal plate present special problems in determining whether bone growth will be affected. Healing of epiphyseal injuries is usually prompt. The epiphysis is the weakest point of the long bones. This is a frequent site of damage during trauma.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The injured extremity should be kept elevated while resting and in a sling when upright. This will increase venous return. Swelling of the fingers may indicate neurovascular damage and should be reported immediately. Permanent damage can occur within 6 to 8 hours. Joints above and below the cast on the affected extremity should be moved. The affected limb should not hang down for any length of time.

[luminitza]

Correct answers!

[duke02]

Great! Please up vote