A six-year-old girl is being admited to the hospital for repair of an umbilical hernia. Which information, collected by the admitting nurse, is particularly helpful in planning care for this child?

The adolescent client's symptoms of localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly at night, are suggestive of a malignancy such as osteosarcoma, which is the most common primary bone tumor in children and adolescents.

Radial ossification in the soft tissues is a characteristic finding in osteosarcoma and is indicative of bone production by malignant cells. Other imaging modalities, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also reveal osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions in the bone.

Growing pains are a common, benign condition that occur in children and do not typically present with the

symptoms described in the case scenario.

Rhabdomyolysis is a medical emergency that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream. It can present with muscle pain, swelling, and tenderness, but typically occurs as a result of injury, infection, or drug toxicity.

Hemosiderosis is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of iron in various tissues, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It may present with symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain, but is not typically associated with the symptoms and imaging findings described in the case scenario.

Therefore, the nurse should consider osteosarcoma as the probable cause of the adolescent client's symptoms and imaging findings, and should collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a plan of care for diagnosis and treatment.

Answer: (B) Counsel the client about the risks and benefits of using oral contraceptives.

Rationale:

(A) Encourage the client to discuss her need for contraceptives with her parents: Encouraging open communication with parents is important, but this action might not be the most appropriate in this context. The client has expressed a desire for confidentiality, and respecting her autonomy is essential, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like sexual health.

(B) Counsel the client about the risks and benefits of using oral contraceptives: Providing counseling about the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives is the most appropriate action. It ensures the client is informed and able to make a decision that is right for her health and circumstances. The nurse can also discuss other contraceptive options and provide education on safe sex practices. This approach respects the client's autonomy and privacy while ensuring she receives the necessary information to make an informed choice.

(C) Explain that she needs parental approval to receive contraceptives: In many areas, adolescents have the right to obtain contraceptives without parental consent. Requiring parental approval might not only be legally incorrect but could also discourage the client from seeking necessary healthcare, potentially putting her at risk.

(D) Tell the client how to receive a variety of free oral contraceptives from the clinic: While providing information about accessing contraceptives is helpful, this option alone does not address the need for thorough counseling about the risks and benefits. It's important to ensure that the client understands the implications of using oral contraceptives and has the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance tailored to her individual needs.