When caring for a child in balanced suspension skeletal traction using a Thomas splint and Pearson attachment to the right femur, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Monitor peripheral pulses and sensation in the right leg
Cleanse pin sites as prescribed
Check skin for redness and signs of tissue breakdown
Reposition the child every 2 hours
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
When caring for a child in balanced suspension skeletal traction using a Thomas splint and Pearson attachment to the right femur, the most important intervention for the nurse to implement is monitoring peripheral pulses and sensation in the right leg. This is crucial because the traction places tension on the bones, which can result in nerve or vascular damage. Changes in peripheral pulses and sensation can indicate potential complications, such as compromised blood flow or nerve compression, which need immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Choice B rationale
While cleansing pin sites as prescribed is important for infection prevention, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of assessing vascular and neurologic status.
Choice C rationale
Assessing skin for redness and signs of tissue breakdown is important for skin care and preventing pressure ulcers, but it is secondary to monitoring peripheral pulses and sensations when the child is in traction.
Choice D rationale
Changing position every 2 hours is a standard nursing practice to prevent pressure ulcers and provide comfort, but it does not take precedence over monitoring circulation and sensation in the affected limb.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that overstimulation can sometimes trigger seizures in children with certain neurological conditions, it’s not typically a trigger for febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are caused by a rapid increase in body temperature, often due to an infection.
Choice B rationale
Febrile seizures are most common in young children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. As children grow older, they are less likely to have febrile seizures. Most children outgrow febrile seizures by the time they are 5 years old.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to try to reduce a child’s fever, a sponge bath is not likely to prevent a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures are triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, not the absolute value of the temperature.
Choice D rationale
The use of ibuprofen or other fever-reducing medications is not typically recommended as a way to prevent febrile seizures. These medications can help make the child more comfortable by reducing fever, but they do not prevent febrile seizures.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Flexing the knees is not the recommended technique when moving a client who is recovering from surgical spinal instrumentation for scoliosis. While it may provide some comfort, it does not provide the necessary support to the spine that is needed during movement.
Choice B rationale
Raising the hips is not the recommended technique when moving a client who is recovering from surgical spinal instrumentation for scoliosis. This action could potentially cause strain or damage to the surgical site.
Choice C rationale
Crossing the arms and legs is not the recommended technique when moving a client who is recovering from surgical spinal instrumentation for scoliosis. This action does not provide the necessary support to the spine during movement.
Choice D rationale
Performing a log roll is the recommended technique when moving a client who is recovering from surgical spinal instrumentation for scoliosis. This technique involves the patient keeping their body in alignment while turning onto their side. It helps to maintain the integrity of the spinal fusion and prevent injury to the surgical site.
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