MUSCULOSKELETAL
DYSFUNCTION
WEEK 5
Objectives
Describe the pediatric age-related changes in the
assessment of the musculoskeletal system.
Discuss the effects of long-term immobilization.
Discuss the assessment and plan of care for soft tissue
injuries and fractures.
List factors that affect the healing process of a
fracture.
Identify methods of immobilization, casts, and
traction.
Discuss the presentation and nursing and collaborative
plan of care of the child with osteosarcoma, Ewing
sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.
©Stanbridge University, 2025
PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS
OF IMMOBILIZATION
Atrophy/decreased muscle tone
Bone demineralization/hypercalcemia
Respiratory/pulmonary emboli
Difficulty urination prone/urinary retention/UTI
Impaired peristalsis/poor abdominal tone
Risk skin ulcer/decreased circulation/poor
healing
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, 5/15/2025
TRAUMATIC INJURY
Soft tissue injury
Sports injuries
Play mishaps
Ecchymosis
Myositis ossifications
Nurse maid’s elbow
©Stanbridge University, 2025
FRACTURES IN
CHILDREN
Buckle/Torus
Greenstick
Complete
©Stanbridge University, 2025
BUCKLE GREENSTICK
FRACTURE FRACTURE
©Stanbridge University, 2025
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