A child is diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
The nurse knows that a key focus of nursing care for this child is:

Choice A rationale

When bone fragments remain partially joined, this describes an incomplete fracture, such as a greenstick fracture often seen in children, where the bone bends and cracks but does not break completely through. This is distinct from a complete fracture where there is full separation of the bone.

Choice B rationale

A complete fracture is scientifically defined as a break in a bone where the bone fragments are entirely separated from each other. This total discontinuity interrupts the structural integrity of the bone, distinguishing it from partial breaks where some bone continuity is maintained.

Choice C rationale

When the bone penetrates the skin, this describes an open (or compound) fracture. While an open fracture is also a complete fracture, the defining characteristic of a *complete* fracture itself is the full separation of the bone fragments, irrespective of whether the skin is breached.

Choice D rationale

When the bone bends but does not break, this is characteristic of a bent bone deformity or an incomplete fracture, specifically a greenstick fracture common in pediatric patients due to the higher flexibility of their bones. This is not a complete fracture, where the bone's continuity is fully disrupted.

Choice A rationale

Lochia rubra, characterized by bright red discharge, typically lasts for the first 3-5 days postpartum. Its presence at 5 weeks postpartum would be abnormal and could indicate a complication such as retained placental fragments or infection, necessitating further medical evaluation due to prolonged uterine bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Lochia serosa, a pinkish-brown discharge, typically follows lochia rubra and can persist for about 2 to 3 weeks postpartum. While some individual variation exists, its presence up to 6 weeks postpartum as the predominant discharge type is less common and might suggest a slower than average uterine involution.

Choice C rationale

Complete cessation of lochia by 5 weeks postpartum is not typical for most individuals. The puerperium, or postpartum period, involves significant uterine involution and discharge. While the volume decreases, some form of lochia, usually alba, is still physiologically expected as the uterus continues to heal and shed decidual tissue.

Choice D rationale

Lochia alba, a yellowish-white discharge, is the final stage of lochia and typically begins around 2 to 6 weeks postpartum, continuing for up to 6 weeks or even longer in some individuals. This discharge consists of leukocytes, decidual cells, mucus, and bacteria, signifying the continued, normal healing and involution of the uterus.