The nurse is continuing to care for the child. Exhibits Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for dropdown and dropdown
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale for correct choices • Limb immobilization: Immobilization is the primary treatment for a nondisplaced fracture to maintain bone alignment, promote healing, and prevent further injury. Splints, casts, or braces may be used depending on the fracture location and stability. Proper immobilization also helps reduce pain and swelling by limiting movement of the injured extremity. • Pain medication: Pain management is essential to ensure comfort and facilitate cooperation with care. Mild to moderate pain from a nondisplaced fracture can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Effective analgesia also helps the child maintain mobility of unaffected areas and reduces stress associated with the injury. Rationale for incorrect choices • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for closed fractures unless there is an open wound or risk of infection. The child’s abrasion on the knee may require topical care, but systemic antibiotics are not indicated for the fracture itself. • Bed rest: Strict bed rest is not necessary for a nondisplaced upper extremity fracture. The child can usually participate in age-appropriate activities while the limb is immobilized, as long as the extremity is protected. • Surgical consultation: Surgical intervention is typically reserved for displaced fractures, open fractures, or fractures with neurovascular compromise. This child’s fracture is nondisplaced and stable, so surgery is not anticipated at this stage. • Skin traction: Skin traction is generally used for lower extremity fractures or severe fractures requiring alignment before surgical intervention. It is not indicated for a stable, nondisplaced forearm fracture in a child.