A nurse cares for a child with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and is in Buck extension traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Baclofen is not primarily a pain reliever. It is a muscle relaxant used in cerebral palsy to reduce spasticity. Post-surgical pain is managed with analgesics, not baclofen, which targets muscle tone rather than nociceptive pathways, making this response incorrect.

Choice B reason: Baclofen does not prevent seizures. It reduces muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy by acting on GABA receptors in the spinal cord. Anticonvulsants, like levetiracetam, are used for seizures, which are not a universal feature of cerebral palsy, making this inaccurate.

Choice C reason: Baclofen is not used for bladder control in cerebral palsy. While spasticity can affect bladder function, medications like oxybutynin target bladder issues. Baclofen focuses on skeletal muscle relaxation, not smooth muscle in the bladder, making this an incorrect response.

Choice D reason: Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that reduces spasticity in cerebral palsy by inhibiting spinal reflexes via GABA receptors. Post-hamstring surgery, it controls muscle spasms, improving mobility and comfort, making this the correct explanation for its use in this condition.

Choice A reason: Allowing an infant with a hip cast to stand risks disrupting the correction of developmental dysplasia, as weight-bearing can misalign the hip joint. The cast maintains proper positioning, and standing could cause joint instability, delaying healing and proper femoral head development.

Choice B reason: Latex balloons pose a choking hazard and risk allergic reactions in infants. They do not promote developmental dysplasia recovery or growth, as they provide no therapeutic stimulation. Visual stimuli are beneficial, but safe, age-appropriate toys are needed to support development.

Choice C reason: A small electronic toy stimulates cognitive and sensory development in a 10-month-old with a hip cast. It encourages fine motor skills and engagement, supporting developmental milestones like object exploration and cause-effect learning, which are critical despite mobility restrictions from the cast.

Choice D reason: Prompt diaper changes prevent skin breakdown, important in a casted infant, but do not directly promote growth and development. While hygiene prevents infections, it addresses physical care, not cognitive or motor milestones critical for developmental progress in this age group.