Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Musculoskeletal Care Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Musculoskeletal Care related questions and content

You are caring for a young child with hip dysplasia who is in a spica cast. An important nursing concern is

  • A. Assessing circulation to the fingers and hands.
  • B. Moving the patient carefully without using the abductor bar.
  • C. Keeping the patient's hips elevated above the heart.
  • D. Aligning the hips each time the patient is turned.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a spica cast, the abductor bar maintains hip alignment and should not be used to move the patient, as this could disrupt the cast or alignment. Circulation is assessed in the toes, not fingers.