Practice Question
A Nurse is caring for a child with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Which interventions should be prioritized for a child with SCFE? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management
Rationale:
A. NSAIDs
🦴 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are appropriate for initial pain management in SCFE.
🦴 The condition often presents with gradual onset of hip, groin, thigh, or knee pain, and children may have difficulty walking.
🦴 NSAIDs reduce inflammation and discomfort, aiding in symptom control while awaiting definitive treatment.
🦴 They are not a cure but a helpful supportive measure before surgical intervention.
B. Restriction of weight-bearing
🦴 Weight-bearing on the affected limb can worsen the slip of the femoral head, potentially leading to complications such as avascular necrosis.
🦴 The child should be placed on strict bedrest or non-weight-bearing status as soon as SCFE is suspected.
🦴 This helps stabilize the hip and prevents further displacement before surgery.
🦴 Weight-bearing may only be resumed after surgical stabilization and recovery.
C. Crutches
🦴 Crutches provide safe mobility without placing weight on the affected leg.
🦴 They are essential in supporting the child’s non-weight-bearing status until surgical correction is achieved.
🦴 Proper crutch training also prevents falls and minimizes joint strain.
🦴 Using crutches helps maintain independence and mobility while protecting the injured hip.
D. Ice packs
🦴 Ice therapy can help reduce localized inflammation and swelling, particularly in acute or painful presentations.
🦴 Applying cold compresses may ease discomfort while awaiting further orthopedic evaluation.
🦴 It is a non-pharmacologic method to enhance pain control and complement NSAID use.
🦴 Ice should be used intermittently (e.g., 20 minutes on/off) with a barrier to prevent frostbite.
E. Orthopedic referral
🦴 SCFE is a surgical condition that requires urgent evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon.
🦴 Timely referral is crucial to plan pinning or screw fixation, which stabilizes the femoral head.
🦴 Delay in treatment increases risk for long-term complications, including joint deformity, osteoarthritis, or avascular necrosis.
🦴 Early surgical correction offers the best prognosis for hip function.
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This question is from RN ATI NSG 234 Paediatrics Nursing Exam which contains 47 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pediatrics
- Answer Choices: 6