The nurse is caring for a child with osteomyelitis.
Which of the following interventions is a priority?
Providing a high-protein diet.
Encouraging weight-bearing on the affected limb.
Administering IV antibiotics as prescribed.
Applying heat packs to the affected area.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Providing a high-protein diet is beneficial for tissue repair and overall healing, as proteins are essential building blocks for cells and enzymes involved in the inflammatory and reparative processes. However, this intervention is secondary to addressing the underlying infection. Nutritional support optimizes recovery but does not directly eliminate the bacterial pathogen.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging weight-bearing on the affected limb is contraindicated in acute osteomyelitis. This action could exacerbate inflammation, increase pain, and potentially lead to pathological fractures or further dissemination of the infection within the bone, compromising structural integrity and delaying healing. Rest is crucial for minimizing stress on the compromised bone.
Choice C rationale
Administering IV antibiotics as prescribed is the priority intervention because osteomyelitis is a severe bacterial infection of the bone. Intravenous administration ensures high systemic concentrations of antibiotics, reaching the infected bone tissue efficiently to eradicate the pathogen, prevent further bone destruction, and reduce the risk of systemic complications like sepsis.
Choice D rationale
Applying heat packs to the affected area might provide some symptomatic relief from pain by increasing blood flow, but it is not a primary intervention for osteomyelitis. Heat can potentially increase swelling and may not be effective in reaching the deep-seated infection within the bone. Direct antimicrobial therapy is paramount for resolution.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A sudden drop in grades, increased absenteeism, avoidance of eye contact, and flat affect are significant behavioral and emotional changes that suggest a potential underlying mental health issue. Referring the student to a school social worker, who is trained in mental health assessments and interventions, ensures a timely and appropriate professional evaluation. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in adolescent mental health.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging academic breaks without addressing the root cause of the student's distress is unlikely to resolve the underlying issues. While breaks can be beneficial, they do not provide the comprehensive support needed for significant behavioral and emotional changes that suggest potential mental health concerns. This approach may delay necessary professional intervention.
Choice C rationale
Contacting the child's teacher to discuss tutoring focuses solely on the academic decline and overlooks the emotional and behavioral cues. While academic support might be needed, it does not address the possible mental health component indicated by the flat affect and avoidance of eye contact, which are often symptoms of distress.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the parent to request a medical workup is a reasonable step if a physical health issue is suspected. However, the constellation of symptoms (behavioral changes, emotional blunting, social withdrawal) more strongly points towards a mental health concern rather than a purely physical one, making a referral to a mental health professional more immediately relevant.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While spinal health is important at all ages, formal scoliosis screening typically does not begin as early as 6 years old. At this age, spinal curves are often subtle and may not be progressive, making mass screening less effective and potentially leading to overdiagnosis.
Choice B rationale
Screening at 14 years old might be too late for early detection and intervention in many cases, especially for girls who experience their growth spurt earlier. Untreated severe scoliosis can lead to significant spinal deformities and associated health issues.
Choice C rationale
Screening at 16 years old is generally past the peak growth spurt for most adolescents, meaning that any significant scoliotic curve would likely be well-established and more difficult to manage non-surgically. Early detection allows for more conservative treatment options.
Choice D rationale
Scoliosis screening is typically recommended to begin around 10 years old, especially for females, as this aligns with the onset of the adolescent growth spurt, during which scoliotic curves are most likely to progress rapidly. Early detection allows for timely intervention, such as bracing, to prevent severe curvature progression.
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