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?

Choice A reason: Loss of appetite is not an urgent finding, as it may be caused by various factors, such as nausea, pain, or stress. The nurse should monitor the child's fluid and calorie intake and encourage oral hydration and nutrition. However, loss of appetite does not require immediate reporting to the health care provider.

Choice B reason: Platelet count is not an urgent finding, as it is not given in the text. The nurse should check the child's laboratory results and compare them with the normal ranges for preschoolers. A normal platelet count for children is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood¹. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may indicate bleeding disorders, infections, or bone marrow problems. A high platelet count (thrombocytosis) may indicate inflammation, infection, or cancer. The nurse should report any abnormal platelet count to the health care provider, but it is not an immediate concern.

Choice C reason: Developmental regression is an urgent finding, as it may indicate a serious neurological problem, such as a brain tumor, infection, or injury. Developmental regression is the loss of previously acquired skills or milestones, such as language, motor, or social skills. The nurse should assess the child's developmental level and report any signs of regression to the health care provider as soon as possible.

Choice D reason: Absolute neutrophil count is an urgent finding, as it may indicate a severe infection or a compromised immune system. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight bacterial infections. The absolute neutrophil count is the number of neutrophils in a microliter of blood. A normal absolute neutrophil count for children is 1,500 to 8,000 per microliter of blood². A low absolute neutrophil count (neutropenia) may increase the risk of infection and sepsis. A high absolute neutrophil count (neutrophilia) may indicate an acute infection or inflammation. The nurse should report any abnormal absolute neutrophil count to the health care provider immediately.

Choice E reason: Hemoglobin is not an urgent finding, as it is not given in the text. The nurse should check the child's laboratory results and compare them with the normal ranges for preschoolers. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A normal hemoglobin level for children is 11.5 to 15.5 grams per deciliter of blood³. A low hemoglobin level (anemia) may indicate blood loss, iron deficiency, or bone marrow problems. A high hemoglobin level (polycythemia) may indicate dehydration, lung disease, or heart disease. The nurse should report any abnormal hemoglobin level to the health care provider, but it is not an immediate concern.

Choice A reason: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is not the correct choice, as it is usually given to children at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. A 4-year-old child should have already completed the Hib vaccine series.

Choice B reason: Varicella (VAR) vaccine is the correct choice, as it is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age. A 4-year-old child is due for the second dose of the VAR vaccine.

Choice C reason: Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine is not the correct choice, as it is usually given to children at birth, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 18 months of age. A 4-year-old child should have already completed the HepB vaccine series.

Choice D reason: Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine is not the correct choice, as it is not routinely recommended for children younger than 11 years of age. MCV4 vaccine is given to children at 11 to 12 years and 16 years of age, or to children with certain high-risk conditions.