32. A child with osteomyelitis of the tibia is hospitalized. The nurse's priority instruction to the parents would be to:
32. A child with osteomyelitis of the tibia is hospitalized. The nurse's priority instruction to the parents would be to:
. Let the parents know that the child's appetite will return as the acute symptoms recede.
. Maintain adequate nutrition for the child to aid healing.
. Keep the child from weight-bearing on the affected limb until healing is well underway.
. Allow the child to move about on a gurney or in a wheelchair when bedrest is no longer necessary.
Test-Taking Tip
When caring for a child with osteomyelitis, prevention of complications is always the nurse's priority teaching intervention. A pathological fracture could be a serious complication from inappropriate/early weight-bearing on the affected limb.
Content Area: Child Health, Musculoskeletal; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Mobility/Immobility
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because, while it is valid that the child's appetite will return as the acute symptoms recede, it is not the nurse's priority instruction. Prevention of a pathologic fracture from weight-bearing on the affected limb is the nurse's priority instruction to the parent. Answer 2 is incorrect because, while it is valid that adequate nutrition must be maintained to aid healing, it is not the nurse's priority instruction. Prevention of a pathological fracture from weight-bearing on the affected limb is the nurse's priority instruction to the parent. Answer 3 is correct because weight-bearing on the affected limb is not permitted until healing is well underway. This is done to prevent a pathological fracture. Answer 4 is incorrect because, while it is valid that moving about on a gurney or in a wheelchair will be permitted when bedrest is no longer necessary, it is not the nurse's priority instruction. Prevention of a pathological fracture from weight-bearing on the affected limb is the nurse's priority instruction to the parent.