A preadolescent has been diagnosed with scoliosis. The planned therapy is the use of a thoracolumbosacral orthotic. The preadolescent asks how long she will have to wear the brace. What is the appropriate response by the nurse?
a. "For as long as you have been told."
b. "Most preadolescents use the brace for 6 months."
c. "Until your vertebral column has reached skeletal maturity."
d. "It will be necessary to wear the brace for the rest of your life."
c. "Until your vertebral column has reached skeletal maturity."
Bracing can halt or slow the progress of most curvatures. They must be used continuously until the child reaches skeletal maturity. Telling the child "For as long as you have been told" does not answer the child's question and does not promote involvement in care. Six months is unrealistic, since skeletal maturity is not reached until adolescence. Once skeletal growth is complete, bracing is no longer effective.
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a. sterile drainage system. b. closed drainage system. c. open drainage system. d. self-measuring drainage system.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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