Traction
- Identify three uses or functions of traction on a child with a fracture.
Traction to the practice of gently and slowly pulling on a dislocates or fractured part of the body using pulleys, weights, and ropes. The function of traction is to return the features of the body in place through:
We are realigning and stabilizing fractures of bones like a child’s broken leg or arm.
Prevent painful muscles spasms through neck stretch
Correct constricted and stiff muscles, tendons, skin, or joints.
- When assessing neurovascular status, describe how circulation, movement, and sensation (CMS) is evaluated in a pediatric patient with a casted limb.
A neurovascular assessment is done to determine whether there are enough sensation and circulation in extreme conditions. Paresthesia is a sign of sensation which include tingling or numbness due to poor circulation. It is a sign of nerve damage, as well. Also, loss of sensation is a sign of neurovascular injury and will cause a complete inability to move a limb. Besides, the amount of pain on limb movement, including passive or active activity on the patient, is used in assessing CMS in pediatric patients.
- Describe 4 signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
DMD is a disorder that affects the muscles making them less flexible and weaker over time. It is caused by gene flaws that control muscles healthy. Some of the signs of DMD include:
A child usually starts to walk much later compared to other children.
Also, they begin to walk or shuffle on their toes.
A child may tend to fall frequently and have difficulty getting up on the floor or climbing stairs.
DMD at times damages the lungs, heart, and other body parts.
- Describe 4 complications related to myelomeningocele (spina bifida) in both the newborn and in the older child
Spina bifida is a defect that occurs when the spinal cord and spine don’t form properly at birth. Myelomeningocele is the most extreme type. Some of its complications include:
It causes bowel and bladder dysfunction. Nerves that supply the bowels and bladder are affected because the nerves are located at the lowest level of the spinal cord.
It exposes the baby to prone life-threatening infections. Shunts in the brain that are responsible for brain treatment become infected or stop working.
It can lead to permanent physical disabilities. The nerves that control leg muscles are damaged, causing muscles to weaken hence lead to paralysis.
Skin problems. Children with this defect usually get wounds on their legs, buttocks, feet, or back, which turn to foot infections and deep wounds.
- Briefly describe the pathophysiology of cerebral palsy (CP) and broadly describe CP’s clinical manifestation.
Pathophysiology of cerebral palsy is a couple of disorders that hinder an individual’s ability to maintain posture and balance, and move. It’s a result of abnormal brain development, which affects the ability to control muscles.
Clinical manifestations of CP vary since there are many levels and types of disability. The primary sign of CP is slow in reaching movement milestones like sitting, rolling over, walking, and standing. Also, babies less than 6 months have their head lagging when you pick them up. They cannot bring their hands together as well as getting their hands to the mouth.