A nurse is collecting data from a school-age child who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:
Pain following range-of-motion exercises is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider. It could indicate the possibility of complications, such as further injury or impaired healing. Adolescents with fractured bones are often encouraged to perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. However, increased pain during or after these exercises could indicate problems like muscle strain or improper alignment of the fracture, which need to be addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Pruritus (itching) under the cast is common and can be expected due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sweat. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it's not an urgent concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Strategies to alleviate itching, such as using a cool blow dryer under the cast, can be taught to the client.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent is a normal response to gravity and is not an alarming finding. Swelling when the extremity is dependent is expected, especially within the initial stages of fracture healing. It suggests that the blood supply is reaching the area for healing purposes. Elevation and rest can help reduce the swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Coolness of the toes could be due to reduced blood flow, but this finding alone may not be an immediate concern. It's essential to consider the client's overall circulation, capillary refill, and presence of pulses. If other signs of impaired circulation, such as pallor or delayed capillary refill, are present along with coolness, it might indicate compromised vascular supply. However, based on the information provided, this choice is not as urgent as reporting pain following range-of-motion exercises.

Choice A rationale:
Apply cold packs to the lower abdomen. This is the correct answer because applying cold packs to the lower abdomen can help alleviate dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps). Cold therapy helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and thus reducing pain. It's a non-pharmacological approach to managing menstrual cramps.
Choice B rationale:
Increase daily intake of fat. Increasing fat intake is not a recommended approach for managing dysmenorrhea. Balanced nutrition is important, but increasing fat intake is unlikely to significantly impact menstrual cramps. Other strategies are more effective.
Choice C rationale:
Massage the lower back area. Massaging the lower back can help with muscle relaxation and may provide some relief, but it is not as effective as applying cold packs to the lower abdomen for dysmenorrhea. Cold packs specifically target blood flow reduction to the area of pain.
Choice D rationale:
Limit physical activity. While it's generally a good idea to avoid strenuous physical activity during periods of intense pain, limiting physical activity alone is not the most effective strategy for managing dysmenorrhea. Cold packs and other interventions are more likely to provide relief.