The nurse is caring for an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta admitted with a new fracture. The client also has old fractures in multiple stages of healing but no bruising, abrasions, or redness of the skin. Which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care?

Question

The nurse is caring for an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta admitted with a new fracture.  The client also has old fractures in multiple stages of healing but no bruising, abrasions, or redness of the skin.  Which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_caea_5d09_b433_57e0e2e06e55_MD0009_00 Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) (brittle bone disease) is a rare genetic condition resulting in impaired synthesis of collagen by osteoblasts. Collagen allows bone to be somewhat flexible while still maintaining strength. Impaired collagen causes bones to be frail and easily fractured. Clinical manifestations can range from mild defects to lethal disease in utero. OI is usually transmitted by autosomal dominant inheritance. The nurse's priority for a client with OI is careful handling to minimize additional fractures. Care of the infant with OI includes: Checking blood pressure manually to avoid cuff over-tightening, which may occur with automatic blood pressure cuffs (Option C) Lifting the infant by slipping a hand under the broadest areas of the body (eg, back, buttocks) so the pressure is distributed Repositioning the infant frequently using supportive devices and gel padding to avoid molding of the soft bones of the skull (Options A and B) Lifting by the ankles or under the arms puts too much pressure on the delicate bones (eg, legs, ribcage). (Option D) Nonaccidental traumas with fractures (eg, child abuse) are usually associated with soft-tissue injury (eg, bruising, abrasions, redness) from the force of an external source. Educational objective: Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) is a rare genetic condition resulting in fragile bones and frequent fractures. The nurse should use careful handling (eg, checking blood pressure manually, distributing pressure when lifting the infant, using supportive devices) to minimize additional fractures and prevent molding of soft bones (eg, skull).

The Nurse Is Caring for an Infant with Osteogenesis Imperfecta