The nurse is caring for a school-age girl who has had a cardiac catheterization. The child tells the nurse that her bandage is "too wet." The nurse finds the bandage and bed soaked with blood. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

The correct answers are choices A, D, and E. Unequal waist angles, an uneven hemline, and asymmetry of the shoulders.

Choice A rationale:

Unequal waist angles can be an indication of scoliosis, a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. When the spine curves, it can cause one side of the waist to appear higher than the other, leading to unequal waist angles. This is a key physical finding in scoliosis assessment.

Choice B rationale:

Complaints of a sore back are a non-specific symptom and may not directly indicate scoliosis. While scoliosis can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, it's not the primary assessment finding that the nurse should expect to observe.

Choice C rationale:

Inability to bend at the waist is not a typical assessment finding of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily involves the lateral curvature of the spine, which can lead to visible asymmetry and postural changes rather than restrictions in bending.

Choice D rationale:

An uneven hemline can be a sign of scoliosis. When the spine curves, it can cause the hips and shoulders to become misaligned, leading to changes in the alignment of clothing and accessories, such as an uneven hemline.

Choice E rationale:

Asymmetry of the shoulders is a common manifestation of scoliosis. One shoulder may appear higher than the other due to the lateral curvature of the spine. This asymmetry is often more noticeable when the child is viewed from behind.

The correct answer is choice A. Slowed growth.

Choice A rationale:

Slowed growth is a potential risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are a cornerstone of asthma management due to their anti-inflammatory effects on the airways, but they can have systemic effects when absorbed in larger amounts. Prolonged use of these steroids can potentially lead to growth suppression in children by affecting the normal growth and development of bones and other tissues.

Choice B rationale:

Osteoporosis is not the primary concern in children taking inhaled steroids. While long-term use of high-dose systemic steroids can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis in adults, the risk of osteoporosis is much lower in children receiving inhaled steroids for asthma management. Inhaled steroids have a lower systemic absorption, reducing the risk of significant bone density reduction in children.

Choice C rationale:

Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, often due to excessive use of systemic steroids. Inhaled steroids, especially at recommended doses, have a lower likelihood of causing Cushing's syndrome compared to systemic steroids. The systemic absorption of inhaled steroids is limited, minimizing the risk of this syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Cough is not the primary increased risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are actually used to help control and prevent asthma symptoms, including cough. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps alleviate symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.