Question

Pedro Gomez, a 5-year-old Hispanic male, was admitted Friday afternoon for an open reduction and internal fixation of a left forearm compound fracture. Following an uneventful surgery, cast placement was planned for the following day. Overnight, Pedro developed early signs and symptoms of varicella that went undetected by the night nurse. Pedro speaks adequate English, but neither of his parents do. A postoperative IV antibiotic is due right after report.

1.)As the nurse caring for this client, what are the two focused assessments that should be completed throughout the shift and what should be assessed during the focused assessments?

2.)As the nurse caring for this client, what are the two focused assessments that should be completed throughout the shift and what should be assessed during the focused assessments?

Answer 1

The focused assessment needed for this child are

• Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Assess the surgical site,for any bleeding, infection, pain ,tenderness, capillary circulation, and cast for irritation, itching,pain ,sensation, etc.,
  • Assess for swelling, circulation and movement to be done throught the shift
  • Movement of the limb especially the fingers
• Skin
  • For presence of any infection,injury, blisters,vesicles,rash ,etc., throughout the shift
  • Presence of any oozing from the vesicles, nature, and its form has to be assessed in order to diagnose the type of infection