Ricci Chapter 44 - Test Bank - 4th Edition

1. The nurse is teaching the mother of a 5-year-old boy with a myelomeningocele who has

developed a sensitivity to latex. Which response from his mother indicates a need for further

teaching?

A. "He needs to get a medical alert identification."

B. "I will need to discuss this with his caregivers."

C. "A product's label indicates whether it is latex-free."

D. "He must avoid all contact with latex."

Answer: C

Rationale: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all medical supplies be

labeled if they contain latex, but this is not the case with consumer products. The mother must be

familiar with products that contain latex. The Spina Bifida Association of America maintains an

updated list of latex-containing products. Getting a medical alert identification, talking with his

caregivers, and avoiding all contact with latex are correct.

2. The nurse is providing postoperative care for a 14-month-old girl who has undergone a

myelomeningocele repair. The girl's mother is extremely anxious and tells the nurse she is afraid

she will never learn how to care for her daughter at home. Which response by the nurse would be

most appropriate?

A. "I will help you become comfortable in caring for your daughter."

B. "You must learn how to care for your daughter at home."

C. "You will need to learn to collaborate with all the caregivers."

D. "There is a lot to learn, and you need a positive attitude."

Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse needs to empower families to become the experts on their child's needs and

conditions via education and participation in care. The most positive approach is to let the

mother know the nurse will support her and help her become an expert on her daughter's care.

Telling the mother that she must learn how to care for her daughter or that she must have a

positive attitude is not helpful. Telling her that she needs to collaborate with the caregivers is

true, but does not address her fears.

3. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As part of the plan

of care, the nurse focuses on maintaining his cardiopulmonary function. Which intervention

would the nurse implement to best promote maximum chest expansion?

A. Deep-breathing exercises

B. Upright positioning

C. Coughing

D. Chest percussion

Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should emphasize that the child's position should be arranged to promote

maximum chest expansion. This is usually in the upright position. Deep-breathing exercises are

for strengthening/maintaining respiratory muscles. Coughing helps clear the airways. Chest

percussion helps loosen secretions in lungs.

4. A 6-year-old child with cerebral palsy has been admitted to the hospital for some tests. The

child's condition is stable. A parent remains with the child, but the parent is obviously exhausted

and stressed. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

A. "Would you like me to bring you a blanket and pillow?"

B. "You are doing such a wonderful job with your child."

C. "Your child is in good hands; consider going home to get some sleep."

D. "Are you planning to spend the night or to go home?"

Answer: C

Rationale: Providing daily, intense care can be quite demanding and tiring. When a child with

cerebral palsy is admitted to the hospital, this may serve as a time of respite for family and

primary caregivers. The nurse should remind the parent that the child is in good hands and urge

the parent to go home. Asking whether the parent is planning to stay might make the parent feel

obligated to stay. Asking if the parent wants a blanket or pillow does not encourage the parent to

leave the hospital. Telling the parent he or she is doing a good job is nice, but does not encourage

the parent to take a break.

5. A nurse is caring for a 14-year-old girl following myelography. What is the priority nursing

action?

A. Monitoring for a decrease in spasticity

B. Observing for signs of meningeal irritation

C. Assessing motor function

D. Observing for mental confusion or hallucinations

Answer: B

Rationale: Following myelography, the nurse should carefully observe for signs of meningeal

irritation because of what is involved in this procedure. Monitoring for a decrease in muscle

spasticity, assessing motor function, and observing for mental confusion or hallucinations is

appropriate following an intrathecal test dose of baclofen.

6. The nurse has developed a plan of care for a 6-year-old with muscular dystrophy. He was

recently injured when he fell out of bed at home. Which intervention would the nurse suggest to

prevent further injury?

A. Recommend the bed's side rails be raised throughout the day and night.

B. Suggest a caregiver be present continuously to prevent falls from bed.

C. Encourage a loose restraint to be used when he is in bed.

D. Recommend raising the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present.

Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should recommend that side rails on the bed be elevated when a caregiver is

not present. The use of restraints should be avoided if at all possible. Suggesting that a caregiver

be present at all times places undue stress on the family. Close observation is more appropriate.

Recommending side rails be elevated at all times may be upsetting to the child and make him

feel like a "baby."

7. The nurse is caring for a 2-month-old with cerebral palsy. The infant is limp and flaccid with

uncontrolled, slow, worm-like, writhing, and twisting movements. What word would the nurse

use when documenting these observations?

A. Spastic

B. Athetoid

C. Ataxic

D. Mixed

Answer: B

Rationale: Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormal, involuntary movement. It

affects all four extremities with possible involvement of the face, neck, and tongue. The

movements increase in periods of stress. Dysarthria and drooling may be present as well. Spastic

cerebral palsy is characterized by poor control of posture, balance, and movement; exaggeration

of deep tendon reflexes; and hypertonicity of affected extremities. Ataxic is characterized by

poor coordination, unsteady gait, and wide-based gait.

8. The nurse is teaching a group of students about myelinization in a child. Which statement by

the students indicates that the teaching was successful?

A. Myelinization is completed by 4 years of age.

B. The process occurs in a head-to-toe fashion.

C. The speed of nerve impulses slows as myelinization occurs.

D. Nerve impulses become less specific in focus with myelinization.

Answer: B

Rationale: Myelinization occurs in a cephalocaudal, proximodistal manner and is completed by 2

years of age. As myelinization proceeds, nerve impulses become faster and more accurate.

9. When developing the plan of care for a child with cerebral palsy, which treatment would the

nurse expect as least likely?

A. Skeletal traction

B. Physical therapy

C. Orthotics

D. Occupational therapy

Answer: A

Rationale: Skeletal traction would be the least likely treatment for a child with cerebral palsy.

Physical therapy, orthotics and braces, and occupational therapy are all common treatments used

for cerebral palsy.

10. A nurse is preparing a program for a group of parents about injury prevention. What would

the nurse include as an important contributing factor for cervical spine injury in a child?

A. Exposure to teratogens while in utero

B. Immaturity of the central nervous system

C. Increased mobility of the spine

D. Incomplete myelinization

Answer: C

Rationale: Compared to the adult, a child's spine is very mobile, especially in the cervical spine

region, resulting in a higher risk for cervical spine injury. Exposure to teratogens in utero may

lead to altered growth and development of the brain or spinal cord. Immaturity of the central

nervous system places the infant at risk for insults that may result in delayed motor skill

attainment or cerebral palsy. Incomplete myelinization reflects the lack of motor control.

11. A child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to receive prednisone as part of his treatment

plan. After teaching the child's parents about this drug, which statement by the parents indicates

the need for additional teaching?

A. "We should give this drug before he eats anything."

B. "We need to watch carefully for possible infection."

C. "The drug should not be stopped suddenly."

D. "He might gain some weight with this drug."

Answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids such as prednisone can cause gastric upset, so the medication should

be given with food to reduce this risk. The drug may mask the signs of infection, so the parents

need to monitor the child closely for any changes. Treatment with this drug should not be

stopped abruptly due to the risk for acute adrenal insufficiency. Common side effects of this drug

include weight gain, osteoporosis, and mood changes.

12. What information would the nurse include in the preoperative plan of care for an infant with

myelomeningocele?

A. Positioning supine with a pillow under the buttocks

B. Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze

C. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket

D. Applying a diaper to prevent fecal soiling of the sac

Answer: B

Rationale: For the infant with a myelomeningocele, saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze or

antibiotic-soaked gauze is used to keep the sac moist. The infant is positioned prone, with a

folded towel under the abdomen, so that the urine and feces flow away from the sac. A warmer

or isolette is used to keep the infant warm. Blankets are avoided because they could place excess

pressure on the sac. Diapering may be contraindicated to avoid placing pressure on the sac.

13. The nurse is assessing a newborn who was delivered after a prolonged labor due to an

abnormal presentation. The newborn sustained a cranial nerve injury. The nurse would most

likely expect to assess deficits related to which cranial nerve?

A. Optic

B. Facial

C. Acoustic

D. Trigeminal

Answer: B

Rationale: The most common cranial nerve injury occurring during birth trauma involves facial

nerve palsy. The optic, acoustic, and trigeminal nerves are not typically injured during birth

trauma.

14. A child with spastic cerebral palsy is to receive botulin toxin. The nurse prepares the child

for administration of this drug by which route?

A. Oral

B. Subcutaneous injection

C. Intramuscular injection

D. Intravenous infusion

Answer: C

Rationale: Botulin toxin is administered by injection into the muscle. It may cause dry mouth. It

is not administered orally, by subcutaneous injection, or by intravenous infusion.

15. The nurse is assessing the neuromusculoskeletal system of a newborn. What is an abnormal

assessment finding?

A. Sluggish deep tendon reflexes

B. Full range of motion in extremities

C. Absence of hypotonia

D. Lack of purposeful muscular control

Answer: A

Rationale: Deep tendon reflexes are present at birth and are initially brisk in the newborn and

progress to average over the first few months. Sluggish deep tendon reflexes indicate an

abnormality. The newborn is capable of spontaneous movement but lacks purposeful control.

Full range of motion is present at birth. Healthy infants and children demonstrate normal muscle

tone; hypertonia or hypotonia is an abnormal finding.

16. A child with cerebral palsy has undergone surgery for placement of a baclofen pump. Which

instruction would the nurse include when teaching the parents about caring for their child?

A. Wait 48 hours before allowing the child to take a tub bath.

B. Do not allow the child to sleep on the left side for about 4 weeks.

C. Call the helath care provider if the child's temperature is over 100.5°F (38°C).

D. Discourage the child from stretching or bending forward for 4 weeks.

Answer: D

Rationale: After insertion of a baclofen pump, the parents should discourage any twisting at the

waist, reaching high overhead, stretching, or bending forward or backward for 4 weeks. The

child would avoid tub baths for about 2 weeks and avoid sleeping on the stomach for 4 weeks.

The parents should notify the health care provider if the child's temperature is greater than

101.5°F (38.6°C).

17. A nursing instructor is preparing for a class discussion on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

When describing type 2 SMA, which information would the instructor include? Select all that

apply.

A. Onset before 6 months of age

B. Weakness most severe in shoulders and hips

C. Difficulty with swallowing

D. Slowly progressing condition

E. Genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance

Answer: B, D, E

Rationale: Any type of spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic motor neuron disease due to

autosomal recessive inheritance. Type 2 SMA usually occurs between 6 and 18 months of age,

with weakness that is most severe in the shoulders, hips, thighs, and upper back. It is slower in

progression than type 1. Survival into adulthood is common if respiratory status is maintained

appropriately. Type 1 SMA occurs before birth to 6 months of age and the child usually has

difficulty swallowing, sucking, and breathing.

18. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m.

The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m.

her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not

been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

A. Notifying the doctor immediately

B. Applying ice

C. Elevating the arm

D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should notify the doctor immediately because the girl's symptoms are the

classic sign of compartment syndrome. Immediate treatment is required to prevent excessive

swelling and to detect neurovascular compromise as quickly as possible. The ice should be

removed and the arm brought below the level of the heart to facilitate whatever circulation is

present. Giving additional pain medication will not help in this situation.

19. The nurse is caring for an active 14-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with

scoliosis. He is dismayed that a "jock" like himself could have this condition, and is afraid it will

impact his spot on the water polo team. Which response by the nurse would best address the

boy's concerns?

A. "If you wear your brace properly, you may not need surgery."

B. "The good news is that you have very minimal curvature of your spine."

C. "Let's talk to another boy with scoliosis, who is winning trophies for his swim team."

D. "Let's talk to the doctor about your treatment options."

Answer: C

Rationale: Because this boy is concerned about limiting his participation in water polo and

perceives scoliosis as a disease that does not affect "jocks," putting the child in contact with

someone with the same problem would be helpful. Telling the adolescent about not needing

surgery if he wears his brace or that his curvature is minimal may or may not be true in his case

and thus would be false reassurance. Although these suggestions and also the suggestion about

talking to the doctor about treatment options could be helpful by engaging his input in the

treatment, these do not address his specific concerns about his body image.

20. The nurse is caring for a female infant with torticollis and is providing instructions to the

parents about how to help their daughter. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for

further teaching?

A. "We must encourage our daughter to turn her head both ways."

B. "Flatness on one side of the head is a common side effect."

C. "We must apply firm pressure and stretching every other day."

D. "We will do a daily stretching regimen with multiple sessions."

Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse needs to remind the parents that the stretching exercises should be done

several times a day. The stretching is applied with gentle, not firm, pressure and should be done

every day for multiple sessions. The statements about turning the head both ways, flatness on

one side as common, and daily stretching with multiple sessions are correct.

21. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old in traction. While performing a skin assessment, the

nurse notices that the skin over the calcaneus appears slightly red and irritated. Which action

would the nurse take first?

A. Reposition the child's foot on a pressure-reducing device.

B. Apply lotion to his foot to maintain skin integrity.

C. Make sure the skin is clean and dry.

D. Gently massage his foot to promote circulation.

A

Rationale: The nurse's first action is to remove continuous pressure from this area. The other

actions can help decrease the potential for skin breakdown, but the pressure must be relieved

first.

22. The nurse is caring for a 14-month-old boy with rickets who was recently adopted from

overseas. His condition was likely a result of a diet very low in milk products. The nurse is

providing teaching regarding treatment. Which response by the parents indicates a need for

further teaching?

A. "We must give him calcium and phosphorus with food every morning."

B. "He must take vitamin D as prescribed and spend some time in the sunlight."

C. "He must take calcium at breakfast and phosphorus at bedtime."

D. "We should encourage him to have fish, dairy, and liver if he will eat it."

Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should emphasize that the calcium and phosphorus supplements should be

administered at alternate times to promote proper absorption of both of these supplements.

Taking vitamin D, spending time in the sun, and encouraging intake of fish, dairy, and liver are

appropriate responses.

23. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old client in traction prior to surgery. The client has been in

the hospital for 2 weeks and will require an additional 10 days in the hospital following surgery.

The client states, "I feel isolated and I am refusing any more treatment." Which response by the

nurse is most appropriate?

A. "I know it is boring here, but the best place for you to remain immobile is the hospital."

B. "I will see if you can have friends come spend a few nights with you."

C. "Let's come up with things for you to do and see if your friends can come visit."

D. "If you refuse further treatment, your condition will only get worse."

Answer: C

Rationale: After 2 weeks in traction, an adolescent can become easily bored and isolated from

usual peer interaction. The most helpful intervention would be to engage the help of the client to

develop a list of books, games, movies, and other activities the client would enjoy. The nurse

should also encourage visitation and phone calls from friends. Telling the client friends can come

spend the night in the hospital is not most appropriate as minors are not typically encouraged to

stay overnight. Telling the adolescent the condition will worsen if the client resists treatment is

threatening and inappropriate.

24. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old girl in a bilateral brace with tibia vara. Her parents are

upset by their toddler's limited mobility. Which response by the nurse would be most

appropriate?

A. "If you don't follow the therapy, your daughter could develop severe bowing of her legs."

B. "It's important to use the brace or your daughter may need surgery."

C. "You are doing a great job. Let's put our heads together on how to keep her busy."

D. "You'll need to accept this since treatment may be required for several years."

Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should support the parents by encouraging and praising their compliance

with bracing. It is also important to work with the parents to help develop age-appropriate

diversions to promote normal growth and development. Telling the parents that they must be

compliant or their daughter could develop severe bowing does not teach, does not offer solutions,

and does not address the parents' concerns. Telling the parents that they must simply accept this

and that the treatment could take years is likely to upset them and does not teach. It also does not

address their concerns.

25. The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a child with suspected developmental

dysplasia of the hip. Which finding would help confirm this diagnosis?

A. Abduction occurs to 75 degrees and adduction to within 30 degrees (with stable pelvis).

B. A distinct "clunk" is heard with Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers.

C. A high-pitched "click" is heard with hip flexion or extension.

D. The thigh and gluteal folds are symmetric.

Answer: B

Rationale: A distinct "clunk" while performing Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers is caused as the

femoral head dislocates or reduces back in to the acetabulum. A higher-pitched "click" may

occur with flexion or extension of the hip. This is a benign, adventitious sound that should not be

confused with a true "clunk" when assessing for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Abduction

to 75 degrees, adduction within 30 degrees, and symmetric thigh and gluteal folds are normal

findings.

26. The nurse is caring for an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta and is providing instruction on

how to reduce the risk of injury. Which response from the mother indicates a need for further

teaching?

A. "I need to avoid pushing or pulling on an arm or leg."

B. "I must carefully lift the baby from under the armpits."

C. "I should not bend an arm or leg into an awkward position."

D. "We must avoid lifting the legs by the ankles to change diapers."

Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse needs to emphasize that the mother must not lift a baby or young child with

osteogenesis imperfecta from under the armpits as it may cause harm. Avoiding pushing or

pulling, not bending an arm or leg into an awkward position, and avoiding lifting the legs by the

ankles are appropriate responses.

27. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have his cast removed. What

instruction would the nurse most likely include?

A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin

B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin

C. Soaking the area in warm water every day

D. Washing the skin with dilute peroxide and water

Answer: C

Rationale: After a cast is removed, the child and family should be instructed to soak the area in

warm water every day to help soften and remove the dry flaky skin. Moisturizing lotion, not

petroleum jelly, should be applied to the skin. Vigorous rubbing would traumatize the skin and

should be avoided. Warm soapy water, not dilute peroxide and water, should be used to wash the

area.

28. When teaching a group of parents about the skeletal development in children, what

information is most helpful?

A. The growth plate is made up of the epiphysis.

B. A young child's bones commonly bend instead of break with an injury.

C. The infant's skeleton has undergone complete ossification by birth.

D. Children's bones have a thin periosteum and limited blood supply.

Answer: B

Rationale: A young child's bones are more flexible and more porous with a lower mineral count

than adults. Thus, bones will often bend rather than break when an injury occurs. The growth

plate is composed of the epiphysis and physis. The infant's skeleton is not fully ossified at birth.

Children's bones have a thick periosteum and an abundant blood supply.

29. The school nurse is presenting a class to a group of students about common overuse

disorders. Which disorder would the school nurse include?

A. Dislocated radial head

B. Transient synovitis of the hip

C. Osgood-Schlatter disease

D. Scoliosis

Answer: C

Rationale: Overuse syndromes refer to a group of disorders that result from repeated force

applied to normal tissue. An example is Osgood-Schlatter disease. Dislocated radial head,

transient synovitis of the hip, and scoliosis are not considered overuse syndromes.

30. The nurse is assessing a child with a possible fracture. What would the nurse identify as the

most reliable indicator?

A. Lack of spontaneous movement

B. Point tenderness

C. Bruising

D. Inability to bear weight

Answer: B

Rationale: Point tenderness is one of the most reliable indicators of a fracture in a child. Neglect

of an extremity, inability to bear weight, bruising, erythema, and pain may be present, but these

findings can also suggest other conditions.

31. An 8-year-old boy with a fractured forearm is to have a fiberglass cast applied. What

information would the nurse include when teaching the child about the cast?

A. The cast will take a day or two to dry completely.

B. The edges will be covered with a soft material to prevent irritation.

C. The child initially may experience a very warm feeling inside the cast.

D. The child will need to keep his arm down at his side for 48 hours.

Answer: C

Rationale: A fiberglass cast usually takes only a few minutes to dry and will cause a very warm

feeling inside the cast. Therefore, the nurse needs to warn the child that this will occur.

Fiberglass casts usually have a soft fabric edge so they usually do not cause skin rubbing at the edges and don't require petaling. The child should be instructed to elevate his arm above the level

of the heart for the first 48 hours.

32. A child has undergone surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum. What

position would the nurse instruct the parents to avoid?

A. Semi-Fowler

B. Supine

C. High Fowler

D. Side-lying

Answer: D

Rationale: After surgery to correct pectus excavatum, the nurse would instruct the parents to

avoid positioning the child on either side because this could disrupt the bar's position. Semi- or

high Fowler's position and the supine position would be appropriate.

33. A newborn is diagnosed with metatarsus adductus. The parents ask the nurse how this

occurred. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

A. "This condition is due to a genetic defect in the bones."

B. "It's most likely from how the baby was positioned in utero."

C. "They really don't know what causes this condition."

D. "There is probably an underlying deformity of the baby's hip."

Answer: B

Rationale: Metatarsus adductus is a medial deviation of the forefoot that occurs as a result of in

utero positioning. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic bone disorder. The underlying cause of

congenital clubfoot is not known. Developmental dysplasia of the hip involves a deformity of the

newborn's hip.

34. A nurse is preparing a presentation for a parent group about musculoskeletal injuries. When

describing a child's risk for this type of injury, the nurse integrates knowledge that bone growth

occurs primarily in which area?

A. Growth plate

B. Epiphysis

C. Physis

D. Metaphysis

Answer: B

Rationale: Growth of the bones occurs primarily in the epiphyseal region. This area is vulnerable

and structurally weak. Traumatic force applied to the epiphysis during injury may result in

fracture in that area of the bone. The growth plate refers to the combination of the epiphysis, the

end of a long bone, and the physis, a cartilaginous area between the epiphysis and the

metaphysis.

35. A group of nursing students are reviewing information about types of skin traction and

skeletal traction. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify

which of these as a type of skeletal traction?

A. Russell traction

B. Bryant traction

C. Buck traction

D. Side arm 90-90 traction

Answer: D

Rationale: Side arm 90-90 traction is a type of skeletal traction with force applied through a pin

in the distal femur. Russell traction, Bryant traction, and Buck traction are types of skin traction.

36. The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority

nursing diagnosis?

A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to cast and location

B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care

C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility

D. Self-care deficit related to immobility

Answer: A

Rationale: Although deficient knowledge, risk for delayed development, and self-care deficit

may be applicable, the child is at increased risk for skin breakdown due to the size of the cast and

its location. In addition, the cast has an opening, which allows for elimination. Soiling of cast

edges or leakage of urine or stool can lead to skin breakdown.

37. A nurse is providing instructions to the parents of a 3-month-old infant with developmental

dysplasia of the hip who is being treated with a Pavlik harness. Which statement(s) by the

parents demonstrates understanding of the instructions? Select all that apply.

A. "We need to adjust the straps so that they are snug but not too tight."

B. "We should change the diaper without taking our infant out of the harness."

C. "We need to check the area behind our infant's knees for redness and irritation."

D. "We need to send the harness to the dry cleaners to have it cleaned."

E. "We need to call the health care provider if our infant is not able to actively kick the legs."

Answer: B, C, E

Rationale: Instructions related to use of a Pavlik harness include changing the child's diaper

while in the harness; checking the areas behind the knees and diaper area for redness, irritation,

or breakdown; and calling the health care provider if the child is unable to actively kick the legs.

The straps are not to be adjusted without checking with the health care provider first. The

harness can be washed with mild detergent by hand and air dried. A hair dryer can be used to dry

the harness but only if the air fluffing setting (no heat) is used.

38. When assessing a child for slipped capital femoral epiphysis, what would the nurse identify

as possible risk factors? Select all that apply.

A. Age younger than 8 years

B. Black race

C. History of cystic fibrosis

D. Excessive activity

E. Obesity

Answer: B, E

Rationale: Risk factors associated with slipped capital femoral epiphysis include age between 9

and 16 years, black race, sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight or obese. A history of cystic

fibrosis may contribute to rickets.

39. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, "I

think she broke her arm." The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional

assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture

would the radiograph most likely reveal?

A. Plastic deformity

B. Buckle fracture

C. Spiral fracture

D. Greenstick fracture

Answer: C

Rationale: A spiral fracture is very rare in children. A spiral femoral or humeral fracture,

particularly in a child younger than 2 years of age, should always be thoroughly investigated to

rule out the possibility of child abuse. Plastic, buckle, and greenstick fractures are common in

children and do not usually suggest child abuse.

40. A pediatric client diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is prescribed a

corticosteriod. Which statement by the caregiver indicates additional education by the nurse is

needed?

A. "I will monitor my child for signs of infection."

B. "My child should take this medicine with food."

C. "I will call the primary health care provider if my child develops a moon-face."

D. "If I notice my child gain weight, I will stop the medication."

Answer: D

Rationale: Corticosteriods may be prescribed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy for their

anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. The nurse would provide additional

education if the caregiver stated the medication would be stopped. The nurse would educate to

not stop treatment abruptly or acute adrenal insufficiency may occur. Corticosteriods may mask

signs of infection; therefore, the child should be monitored for infection and the health care

provider notified if any signs noted. The medication should be administer with food to decrease

gastrointestinal upset. The caregiver should be taught to monitor for signs of Cushing syndrome

(moon-face).

41. The school nurse has performed scoliosis screening. Based on this assessment, which

children require the nurse to implement a referral to the healthcare provider? Select all that

apply.

A. The child with asymetric shoulder elevation

B. The child with a limb length discrepancy

C. The child with a lateral curve of the spine

D. The child with a one-sided hump upon bending over

E. The child who's sibling had scoliosis surgically corrected

F. The child who has uneven balance

Answer: A, B, C, D

Rationale: Scoliosis is defined by a lateral curve of the spine greater than 10 degrees.This curve

causes displacement of the ribs. The nurse would first inspect the back in a standing position and

note any asymetric shoulder elevation, the prominence of one scapula, an uneven curve at the

waistline, or a rib hump on one side. While standing the nurse could also assess for leg length

discrepancy and this could be measured. The nurse would then have the child bend over and

observe for a pronounced hump on one side. The nurse should notify the parents and refer the

child to the healthcare provider for evaluation if any of these symptoms are found. The sibling

with a scoliosis repair would not be a concern unless it was known the family had a genetic diagnosis. Most scoliosis is idiopathic. Uneven balance is not a sign of scoliosis. The nurse

would have to complete further assessments for this child.

42. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states "I twisted my

ankle" and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to

include in the discharge instructions for this child?

A. For the first 24 hours apply ice for 20 minutes and remove for 60 minutes

B. Bedrest with leg elevated for 36 hours

C. May take an NSAID for pain as prescribed

D. Use compression dressing for 72 hours

Answer: A

Rationale: A sprain results from twisting or a turning motion of the affected body part. Usually

that is an ankle or a knee.The tendons and ligaments stretch excessively and may tear slightly.

Edema, bruising and the inablility to bear weight are the most common symptoms. Interventions

for care include RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), activity restrictions and/or splints or

crutches. The most important intervention is the use of RICE. In this process the ice is applied

for 20-30 minutes and then removed for 60 minutes. This can be done for up to 48 hours. This

causes vasoconstriction to decrease the pain and swelling. Bedrest is not required, only limiting

activities.Compression dressings, such as an elastic wrap are used, but there is no time limit as to

how long they are needed. It depends upon the amount of swelling decreases. NSAIDs may be

taken for pain if needed but the ice will produce a better pain relief.