The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old boy in traction prior to surgery for slipped capital femoral epiphysis. He has been in an acute care setting for 2 weeks and will require an additional 10 days in the hospital

Question

He is complaining that he feels isolated and is resisting further treatment. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) "I know it is boring, but you must remain immobile for 2 more weeks.".
B) "If there are no complications, you only have 2 more weeks here.".
C) "Let's come up with things to do like books, movies, games, and friends to visit.".
D) "If you resist your treatment, your condition will only get worse.".

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
After 2 weeks in traction, a teenager can become easily bored and isolated from usual peer interaction. The most helpful intervention would be to engage the help of the child to develop a list of books, games, movies, and other activities that he would enjoy. The nurse should also encourage visitation and phone calls from friends. Telling the adolescent that he needs to remain immobile or telling him that he has only 2 more weeks do not address the adolescent's issue. Telling the adolescent that his condition will worsen if he resists is threatening and inappropriate.