A 6-year-old with a fractured femur is in Russell’s traction. Surgical intervention to correct the fracture is scheduled for the morning. Nursing actions should include which action?

 

Choice A reason:

Infants do not outgrow clubfoot when they learn to walk. Clubfoot is a congenital deformity that requires medical intervention to correct. Without treatment, the condition can lead to significant disability and difficulty in walking1. The goal of treatment is to correct the foot’s position and function, allowing the child to walk normally.

Choice B reason:

Surgical intervention is not the first line of treatment for clubfoot. While surgery may be necessary in severe cases or if other treatments fail, the initial approach typically involves non-surgical methods. The Ponseti method, which includes serial casting and gentle manipulation, is the preferred initial treatment. Surgery is considered only if these methods do not achieve the desired results.

Choice C reason:

Traction with foot manipulation is not a standard treatment for clubfoot. The primary non-surgical treatment involves the Ponseti method, which includes serial casting and gentle manipulation of the foot3. This method has been shown to be highly effective in correcting clubfoot without the need for traction.

Choice D reason:

Frequent serial casting is the first line of treatment for clubfoot. The Ponseti method, which involves weekly casting and gentle manipulation of the foot, is the most widely used and effective treatment for clubfoot. This method gradually corrects the foot’s position over several weeks, followed by bracing to maintain the correction4. Serial casting is preferred because it is non-invasive and has a high success rate.

Choice A reason:

Opioid analgesics are not given as a last resort solely because of the threat of addiction. While the risk of addiction is a concern, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain, especially in conditions like sickle cell anemia. The American Society of Hematology guidelines emphasize the importance of effective pain management in sickle cell disease, which often includes the use of opioids. The goal is to manage pain effectively while monitoring for signs of misuse or addiction.

Choice B reason:

Opioid analgesics are often ordered and are usually needed for managing severe pain in patients with sickle cell anemia. Pain episodes in sickle cell disease can be extremely severe and debilitating, requiring potent analgesics like morphine for relief. The management of acute vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease often necessitates the use of opioids to provide adequate pain control.

Choice C reason:

Opioid analgesics, when medically indicated and used under proper medical supervision, rarely cause addiction. The risk of addiction is significantly lower when opioids are used appropriately for pain management in a controlled medical setting. The Mayo Clinic highlights that while opioids have addictive properties, their medical use for pain relief, especially in acute settings, is generally safe when monitored by healthcare professionals.

Choice D reason:

Opioid analgesics are not used only if other measures, such as ice packs, are ineffective. While non-pharmacological measures can be part of pain management, opioids are often necessary for managing severe pain episodes in sickle cell disease. The use of opioids is based on the severity of the pain and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.