An adolescent comes to the school nurse after experiencing shin ...

[dakota nelson]

An adolescent comes to the school nurse after experiencing shin splints during a track meet. What reassurance should the nurse offer?
 
  a. Shin splints are expected in runners.
  b. Ice, rest, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually relieve pain.
  c. It is generally best to run around and work the pain out.
  d. Moist heat and acetaminophen are indicated for this type of injury.

Question 2

A student athlete was injured during a basketball game. The nurse observes significant swelling. The player states he thought he heard a pop, that the pain is pretty bad, and that the ankle feels as if it is coming apart.
 
  Based on this description, the nurse suspects what injury?
  a. Sprain
  b. Fracture
  c. Dislocation
  d. Stress fracture

[mammy1697]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Shin splints result when the ligaments tear away from the tibial shaft and cause pain. Actions that have an antiinflammatory effect are indicated for shin splints. Ice, rest, and NSAIDs are the usual treatment. Shin splints are rarely serious, but they are not expected, and preventive measures are taken. Rest is important to heal the shin splints. Continuing to place stress on the tibia can lead to further damage.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Sprains account for approximately 75 of all ankle injuries in children. A sprain results when the trauma is so severe that a ligament is either stretched or partially or completely torn by the force created as a joint is twisted or wrenched. Joint laxity is the most valid indicator of the severity of a sprain. A fracture involves the cross-section of the bone. Dislocations occur when the force of stress on the ligaments disrupts the normal positioning of the bone ends. Stress fractures result from repeated muscular contraction and are seen most often in sports involving repetitive weight bearing such as running, gymnastics, and basketball.