A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old child at a clinic.

Exhibits

The nurse reviews the assessment findings.

Click to highlight the findings that require immediate follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Assessment

Respirations easy and unlabored. Abdomen non-distended. Right forearm and fingers are edematous. Ecchymotic area noted on outer aspect of the forearm. Radial pulse +2. Fingers slightly cool to touch. Child can move fingers and reports a mild "tingling" sensation. Child verbalizes a pain level of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10. Multiple areas of bruising are noted on lower extremities in various stages of healing.

Vital Signs

Temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F)

Heart rate 102/min Respiratory rate 22/min

BP 100/60 mm Hg

Oxygen saturation 98% on room air

Assessment

Respirations easy and unlabored. Abdomen non-distended. Right forearm and fingers are edematous. Ecchymotic area noted on outer aspect of the forearm. Radial pulse +2. Fingers slightly cool to touch. Child can move fingers and reports a mild "tingling" sensation. Child verbalizes a pain level of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10. Multiple areas of bruising are noted on lower extremities in various stages of healing.

Vital Signs

Temperature 36.8° C (98.2° F)

Heart rate 102/min

Respiratory rate 22/min

BP 100/60 mm Hg

Oxygen saturation 98% on room air

Rationale:

Edema in the right forearm and fingers: The edema, particularly in the right forearm, may indicate a possible fracture or soft tissue injury. This requires immediate follow-up, including further assessment, potential imaging (e.g., X-ray), and intervention to rule out bone fractures, compartment syndrome, or significant tissue damage.

Fingers slightly cool to touch: This could indicate compromised circulation to the fingers, potentially due to swelling or a more serious injury like a fracture causing compression or vascular injury. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess for any signs of impaired circulation, which could require urgent medical intervention.

Mild "tingling" sensation in the fingers: The tingling sensation might indicate nerve involvement or compression, which could be related to a fracture or soft tissue injury. Immediate follow-up is needed to assess for nerve damage or compartment syndrome, both of which require timely management to prevent long-term damage.

Multiple areas of bruising in various stages of healing: While this finding does not require immediate follow-up in the context of the current injury, it could raise concerns about possible underlying issues such as bleeding disorders or abuse. Although not an immediate concern, this warrants further investigation in the longer term.