Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Signs and Symptoms

Strain:

• Pain.


• Localized swelling.


• Possibly muscle weakness.


• Severe strain is disabling.
  Sprain:


• Edema


• Pain


• Joint immobility
  Contusion:


• Purple discoloration of the tissue.


• Discoloration fades to brown, yellow, and green as coagulated blood
  rises to the upper layers of the skin.

Nursing alert The area of discoloration should decrease as blood coagulates.

Blood disorders and medication may decrease blood coagulation, resulting in

ongoing bleeding from a contusion.

Test Results

Radiograph: Health-care providers typically order a radiograph to rule

out a fracture.

Treatment

RICE(rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for 24 to 36 hours follow-

ing the injury. Ice, compression, and elevation reduce inflammation that

causes swelling. Resting the injury reduces pain caused by movement,

encourages healing, and prevents further injury.

Support the injured extremity to reduce pain caused by movement and

to prevent further injury.

Nursing Intervention

Contusion:

• Encircle the area of the contusion with a pen and label it with the
  date and time to document the size of the contusion.


• Monitor the contusion frequently during the first hour to assess if
  the blood has coagulated.
  Assist patient with activities of daily life to reduce pain caused by move-
  ment and to prevent further injury.
  Teach the patient and parents:


• The nature of the injury.


• How the treatment will help heal the injury.

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