What is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a 10-year-old child?

The scenario describes a 14-year-old male who seems to be always eating, but his weight is appropriate for his height. In this case, it is important to reassure the parents that the behaviour may not necessarily be a cause for concern.

Option A provides an accurate response by explaining that for weight gain to occur, the individual would need to consume an excessive number of calories. Since the adolescent's weight is appropriate for his height, it suggests that his caloric intake is likely balanced and not excessive.

suggesting that he is substituting food for unfilled needs in (option B) is incorrect because it, is speculative and may not be accurate without further assessment or evidence. It is important to avoid making assumptions about underlying psychological or emotional reasons for increased eating without more information.

stating that this is normal due to an increase in body mass during this time in (option C) is incorrect because it, is not necessarily applicable to the scenario. While it is true that adolescents experience growth and changes in body composition during this period, it does not directly explain the constant eating behaviour described.

suggesting that this behaviour is abnormal and indicative of possible future obesity in (option D) is incorrect because it, may be premature and unsupported based solely on the information provided. It is essential to avoid making predictions or assumptions about future health outcomes without proper evaluation.

By providing the parents with information about the caloric intake required for weight gain and reassuring them that their son's eating behaviour may be within a normal range, the nurse can address their concerns and provide accurate guidance. If the parents have further concerned or questions, it may be appropriate to refer them to a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive assessment.

In the given scenario, the 6-year-old patient in skeletal traction is experiencing
pain, edema, and fever. These symptoms raise concerns about the possibility of an infection
at the site of traction. In such cases, the nurse should assess for warmth at the site of pain.
Increased warmth can indicate inflammation, which may be associated with infection. This
assessment finding would require further investigation and intervention, such as notifying the
healthcare provider and obtaining appropriate cultures or imaging studies.
Neurologic status in (Option A) is incorrect because assessing neurologic status, is important
but not the priority in this scenario. Neurologic status assessment is typically performed to
evaluate any neurovascular compromise resulting from the traction, but the presence of pain,
edema, and fever suggests a potential infection that requires immediate attention.
Range of motion of all extremities in (Option B) is incorrect because assessing the range of
motion of all extremities, is not directly relevant to the given symptoms and should not take
priority over assessing for warmth at the site of pain.
Blood pressure in (Option D) is incorrect because assessing blood pressure, is not directly
related to the symptoms of pain, edema, and fever in the context of skeletal traction. While
blood pressure is an essential vital sign, it does not provide specific information about the
potential infection at the site of pain in this situation.