A nurse is caring for a child who is 2 hours postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following fluid items should the nurse offer the child at this time?

Choice A: This statement is correct, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate, which is a cartilage layer at the end of a long bone where growth occurs, can impair the normal growth and development of the bone. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, the epiphyseal plate may close prematurely, stop growing, or grow unevenly, resulting in deformity, shortening, or angular deviation of the affected limb.

Choice B: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not necessarily disrupt the blood supply to the bone unless there is also damage to the periosteum, which is a membrane that covers and nourishes

the bone. A disruption of the blood supply to the bone can cause avascular necrosis, which is a condition that causes bone death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Choice C: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not cause bone marrow loss through the fracture unless there is damage to the medullary cavity, which is a hollow space within the bone that contains bone marrow. Bone marrow loss through the fracture can cause bleeding, infection, or anemia.

Choice D: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not take longer to heal in younger children than in older children. In fact, younger children tend to heal faster than older children due to their higher metabolic rate, greater blood supply, and more active growth factors. The healing time of a fracture depends on various factors, such as the type and location of the fracture, the treatment method, and the presence of complications.

Choice A: A heart rate of 72/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of 72/min does not indicate any signs of shock, hemorrhage, or cardiac injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.

Choice B: A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg is below the normal range for an adolescent, which is 110 to 120/70 to 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure of 84/52 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of shock, hemorrhage, or internal organ damage. Hypotension can lead to decreased tissue perfusion, organ failure, or death. Therefore, this finding is the nurse's priority and requires immediate intervention.

Choice C: An abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a moderate level of pain that can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection in the abdomen. However, pain is a subjective symptom that may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Pain can also be managed with analgesics or other measures. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.

Choice D: A respiratory rate of 20/min is within the normal range for an adolescent, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate of 20/min does not indicate any signs of respiratory distress, hypoxia, or pulmonary injury. Therefore, this finding is not the nurse's priority.