Pediatric Bone Basics
Fractures & Immobilization
Orthopedic Conditions
Traction & Fixation
Nursing Interventions
100
What is the name of the cartilage growth area at the end of long bones that is vulnerable to injury?
Growth Plate (Physis)
100
What is the first priority assessment for a newly casted extremity?
Neurovascular status
100
This congenital foot deformity requires serial casting and possibly surgery.
Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus)
100
In traction, what should always be true about the position of the weights?
They hang freely and are not resting on the floor or bed
100
For immobilized children, name two interventions to prevent constipation.
High-fiber diet and adequate fluids
200
Name one reason children’s bones heal faster than adults.
Thicker, more vascular periosteum
200
Name the 6 signs of impaired circulation in a casted limb (compartment syndrome)
Pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, pain, paralysis, or poikilothermia
200
Name the hip disorder that is a result of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
200
Name a purpose for traction?
Provide rest for an extremity
Help prevent or improve contracture deformity
Correct a bony deformity
Treat a dislocation
Allow position and alignment
Provide immobilization
Reduce muscle spasms
200
What therapy can help maintain joint mobility in a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Heat application and range-of-motion exercises
300
What type of fracture is common in children due to flexible bones and only partially breaks through?
Greenstick fracture
300
Which complication involves increased pressure in a closed space that impairs blood flow and nerve function?
Compartment syndrome
300
Which musculoskeletal disorder is a non-progressive motor impairment from brain injury?
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
300
What is the main difference between skeletal and skin traction?
Skeletal traction uses pins/wires inserted into bone and skin traction uses external wraps/straps
300
Which medication is used to increase bone density in children with osteogenesis imperfecta?
Pamidronate
400
Which part of the bone is between the diaphysis and epiphysis
Metaphysis
400
What is the most important teaching point for skin care in a Pavlik harness or any harness? 
Check skin under straps daily and avoid lotions/powders
400
This growth plate disorder causes the femoral head to slip backward, often in obese adolescents
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)
400
Name a nursing priority for a child with an external fixation device.
Crutch/walker use
Pin care is essential
Emotional support of patient and family
Cast care (post fixator removal)
Neurovascular Checks
400
In CP, what is baclofen used for?
Reduce muscle spasticity
500
At what age range does a school-age child’s fracture typically heal in 4–6 weeks?
Ages 6–12 years
500
For a child in a hip spica cast, what special precaution should be taken during diapering?
Using waterproof barriers to keep the cast dry
500
What type of scoliosis treatment is recommended for a Cobb angle >45 degrees?
Surgical spinal fusion
500
When can a nurse release traction?
Emergencies or with provider supervision
500
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which muscle group appears enlarged due to fat and fibrous tissue infiltration?
The calves