M USCULOSKELETAL C ONDITION
Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing , 8th Edition ; Leifer
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What intervention is appropriate for a nurse assessing a preadolescent
child for scoliosis?
a. Ask the child to bend forward at the waist and observe the childs
back for asymm etry.
b. Observe the gait while the child is walking forward heel to toe.
c. Have the child flex the knees and look for uneven knee height.
d. Look at the childs shoulders and hips while full y clothed.
ANS: A
The nurse looks at the back as the child bends forward for general body
alignment and asymmetry.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 584 OBJ: 13
TOP: Scoliosis KEY: Nursing Process Step: Data
Collection MSC: NC LEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance:
Prevention and Earl y Detection of Disease
2. What nursing action will significantl y decrease the risk of serious
complications for a child in Bryants traction?
a. Neurovascular checks are done frequentl y.
, b. Bandages are wrapped tightl y.
c. The child is restrained from rolling over.
d. The childs buttocks are resting on t he bed.
ANS: A
The nurse caring for a child in traction must be alert for Volkmanns
ischemia, which occurs when circulation is obstructed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 576 TOP:
Traction: Volkmanns Ischemia KEY: Nursing Process
Step: Data Collection MSC: NC LEX: Health Promotion
and Maintenance: Prevention and Earl y Detection of Disease
3. Which intervention would be helpful in relieving morning discomfort
associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
a. Wearing splints at night to prevent extens ion contractures
b. Appl ying moist heat packs upon awakening
c. Taking a warm tub bath the evening before
d. Sleeping with two pillows under the head
ANS: B
Application of moist heat, with a compress or by tub bath upon
awakening, will help to lessen stiffness.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 583 TOP:
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis KEY: Nursing Process Step:
, Implementation MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Basic
Care and Comfort
4. What instruction would the nurse provide to an adolescent who has been
fitted with a Milwaukee brace?
a. Wear the brace directl y against the skin.
b. Wear the brace over regular clothing.
c. Wear the brace over a T -shirt 23 hours a day.
d. Remove the brace before sleeping.
ANS: C
A Milwaukee brace is worn approximately 23 hours a day o ver a T-
shirt, which protects the skin.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 584 TOP:
Scoliosis KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Physiological
Adaptation
5. Which observation may cause the nurse to consid er the possibilit y of child
abuse when a mother says that her young child fell down the basement
stairs?
a. Red, green, and yellow bruises on his body
b. Bruises are dispersed on his head, arms, and legs
c. A broken arm last year, and the child being described as a ccident-
prone
d. The mother is very anxious for her son to get medical attention
ANS: A