Which factor should the nurse include when teaching a parent about the care of a newborn in a Pavlik harness for hip dysplasia?

When caring for a child with an open fracture, the nurse should carefully assess for signs and symptoms of infection. An open fracture refers to a fracture where the bone is exposed through the skin, creating a direct pathway for microorganisms to enter and cause infection. Infection is a significant concern in open fractures and can lead to serious complications if not identified and treated promptly. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, purulent drainage, fever, or systemic signs of infection such as elevated white blood cell count.

Osteoarthritis in (option A) is incorrect because it, is not an immediate concern in the care of a child with an open fracture. Osteoarthritis refers to degenerative joint disease that typically develops over time and is not directly related to the acute management of an open fracture.

epiphyseal disruption in (option B) is incorrect because it, refers to an injury involving the growth plate (epiphyseal plate) that can affect bone growth and development. While it is a potential concern in fractures that involve the growth plate, it is not specific to open fractures and may not be an immediate priority in the initial assessment of an open fracture.

periosteum thickening in (option D) is incorrect because it, may occur in response to injury and fracture healing, but it is not specifically associated with open fractures and is not a primary focus in the initial assessment of an open fracture.

Infants and children have open growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, at the ends of
their long bones. These plates are responsible for bone growth and are not fully fused until
the child reach skeletal maturity. Due to the presence of open growth plates, infants and
children are more prone to fractures because their bones are still developing and are less
dense than those of adults.

Their bones have less blood flow in (Option A) is incorrect because cchildren’s bones
actually have a greater blood flow compared to adults. This increased blood flow supports the
rapid growth and development of bones in children.

Growth occurs in children as a result of an increase in the number of muscle fibers in (option
B) is incorrect because ggrowth in children occurs primarily due to the elongation and
thickening of existing muscle fibres, not an increase in their number. This option inaccurately
suggests that children's muscles increase in fibber count to facilitate growth.

Because soft tissues are resilient in children, dislocations and spirals are less common than in
adults in (Option D is) incorrect. While soft tissues may be more resilient in children, it does
not mean that dislocations and sprains are less common than in adults. In fact, children's
ligaments and joint structures are still developing and may be more susceptible to injuries
such as sprains and dislocations compared to adults.