The parents are questioning why their newborn was born deaf when there are no other deaf family members.

At which stage of the pregnancy could the nurse explore possible exposure to a teratogenic agent?

Choice A reason:
Placing traction weights so they touch the head of the bed disrupts the effectiveness of the traction system. Skeletal traction relies on a continuous pulling force to maintain proper alignment of the fractured femur. If the weights are resting on any surface, the force is interrupted, which can lead to complications such as malunion or delayed healing. The weights must hang freely at all times to ensure therapeutic benefit.

Choice B reason:
Isometric exercises are beneficial for maintaining muscle tone and promoting circulation during immobilization. However, while this is a supportive intervention, it is not the most critical or immediate nursing action in the context of skeletal traction. Encouraging exercises every 8 hours is appropriate, but it does not directly address the most urgent or discomfort-related aspect of care.

Choice C reason:
Pin care is a routine but potentially painful procedure associated with skeletal traction. Administering pain medication beforehand is a priority nursing action because it ensures client comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes cooperation during the procedure. This intervention reflects both compassionate care and adherence to best practices in pain management and infection prevention.

Choice D reason:
Repositioning a client in skeletal traction must be done with extreme caution to avoid disrupting the traction setup. Assisting the client to shift position every 4 hours may inadvertently alter the alignment or tension of the traction apparatus. While pressure injury prevention is important, repositioning must be coordinated carefully and is not the most appropriate standalone action in this context.

Difficulty climbing stairs is an early sign of muscular dystrophy.
This is because the condition causes progressive muscle weakness, which can make it difficult for the child to perform physical activities that require muscle strength.

Choice A is not the best answer because high fevers and tiredness are not specific to muscular dystrophy and can be caused by many other conditions.
Choice B is not the best answer because muscular dystrophy causes muscle weakness, not increased muscle strength.
Choice C is not the best answer because respiratory infections and obesity are not specific to muscular dystrophy and can be caused by many other conditions.