A nurse is caring for a toddler who has a fractured right femur and is in Bryant traction.

When determining that the traction is appropriately assembled, the nurse should observe which of the following?

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that happen in the first month of pregnancy.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that affects the spine.
Choice A, Hydrocephalus, is not a neural tube defect but rather a condition where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.
Choice B, Cerebral palsy, is not a neural tube defect but rather a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture.
Choice D, Muscular dystrophy, is not a neural tube defect but rather a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: The initial step in assessing unexplained bruising in a toddler is to gather information directly from the caregivers. This establishes a clinical baseline and allows the nurse to evaluate consistency, plausibility, and emotional responses. Bruising in toddlers can be developmental due to increased mobility, but patterns, location, and frequency matter. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³; abnormal bruising may suggest thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, or trauma. Early dialogue supports accurate documentation and escalation if needed.

Choice B rationale: While engaging the toddler may seem appropriate, their developmental stage limits reliable verbal communication. Toddlers typically lack the cognitive and linguistic capacity to describe events accurately, especially those involving trauma or abuse. Their responses may be influenced by fear, confusion, or limited vocabulary. Relying on their account prematurely risks misinterpretation and emotional distress. Assessment should prioritize adult sources first, followed by observational and clinical data to guide further action.

Choice C rationale: Notifying social services is a critical step in suspected abuse but must follow preliminary assessment and documentation. Premature reporting without context may lead to unnecessary distress for the family and compromise the integrity of the investigation. The nurse must first gather objective findings, caregiver explanations, and clinical indicators. Social services involvement is warranted when findings suggest non-accidental trauma, inconsistent histories, or high-risk environments. The decision must be evidence-informed and procedurally sound.

Choice D rationale: Notifying the provider is essential for collaborative care but should follow initial data collection. The provider relies on the nurse’s observations and caregiver input to determine next steps, including diagnostic testing or referral. Immediate escalation without context may delay appropriate triage or misdirect resources. The nurse’s role includes thorough documentation, pattern recognition, and initiating dialogue with caregivers to inform the provider’s clinical judgment. This ensures a coordinated, evidence-based response.