The priority nursing diagnoses for the child with a fractured left femur and mild head injury are acute pain and head injury. A nurse needs to thoroughly examine this child’s whole body to identify regions of discomfort or soreness, crepitus, deformity, loss of function, and the position and quality of pulses and ascertain the neurovascular condition of the limb (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019). For a patient with a fracture, acute pain is the most appropriate nursing diagnostic. The GCS is performed after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, which includes ensuring the safety of the patient’s airway, breathing, and blood circulation after a head injury. Dietary and physiotherapy nursing interventions are given priority after being transferred from ICU. Providing a healthy diet helps bone repair and keeps the patient’s weight-bearable to restrictions due to the injured limb. The patient should be helped to ensure the safe use of mobility aids and assistive gadgets. The child will require retaining his airway is clear and ensuring enough breathing while at rest ((Haimes & Blankstein, 2019). Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may also be necessary in the child’s case as it may assist in preventing more secondary injuries (by recognizing and treating hypoxia, hypercapnia, or hypoperfusion). The risks of Foley catheter placement include urinary infections, bladder spasms, and urethra damage. Using a urinary catheter, such as an indwelling Foley catheter, increases the risk of infection. Urinary tract infections may result from placing a Foley catheter (Saifullah et al., 2020). Epididymitis and orchitis are both possible complications of urinary infection in men. The placement can also cause additional issues, such as bladder spasms (similar to stomach pains), obstructions, leaks, and urethra damage. Patients who are unconscious or have serious issues that prevent them from moving can have an indwelling catheter inserted to drain urine into a bag linked to a leg and emptied through a tap at the bottom. After being discharged from the Intensive Care Unit, the patient does not need an indwelling Foley catheter. The patient’s muscles will need to be strengthened and loosened up through physical therapy. It is common for patients to begin walking with the aid of a physical therapist within the first few days following an accident or operation. Hence, the child does not need an indwelling Foley catheter, and his chances of full recovery can be increased through regular activities. Purchase the answer to view it

Nursing care for a child with a fractured left femur and mild head injury focuses on addressing acute pain and ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being. This requires a thorough examination of the child’s whole body to assess for any discomfort, crepitus, deformity, loss of function, and neurovascular status of the affected limb (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019). The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with a fracture is acute pain. Pain management is essential to promote comfort and facilitate healing.

Following a head injury, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is performed to assess the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. This evaluation is conducted after ensuring the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation are stable (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019). Identification and management of a head injury is crucial to prevent further complications and promote optimal recovery.

Once the child is transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU), priority nursing interventions include dietary support and physiotherapy. A healthy diet promotes bone repair and ensures the patient’s weight remains within tolerable limits considering the injured limb (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019). Physiotherapy plays a vital role in strengthening the patient’s muscles and promoting mobility. Use of mobility aids and assistive devices should be facilitated to ensure safe ambulation.

Maintaining a clear airway and adequate breathing are also essential nursing priorities. Depending on the severity of the head injury, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may be necessary to prevent further secondary injuries. Monitoring and addressing factors such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, or hypoperfusion can help manage ICP and promote optimal brain function (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019).

However, certain interventions, such as the use of a Foley catheter, may present associated risks. The placement of a urinary catheter, particularly an indwelling Foley catheter, increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Complications such as epididymitis and orchitis can occur in men due to urinary infections (Saifullah et al., 2020). Bladder spasms, obstructions, leaks, and urethral damage are additional potential issues associated with catheter placement.

In the case of this child, an indwelling Foley catheter may not be necessary once they are discharged from the ICU. Instead, the focus should shift towards strengthening and mobilizing the patient’s muscles through physical therapy. It is common for patients to begin ambulating with the assistance of a physical therapist within the first few days following an accident or surgery. By engaging in regular activities and exercises, the child’s chances of a full recovery can be optimized (Haimes & Blankstein, 2019).

In conclusion, nursing care for a child with a fractured left femur and mild head injury involves addressing acute pain and ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being. This includes a thorough examination of the whole body, pain management, GCS assessment, dietary support, physiotherapy, maintaining a clear airway and adequate breathing, and monitoring and managing intracranial pressure if necessary. Care should be taken when considering interventions like the placement of a Foley catheter, as they carry associated risks. It is crucial to individualize nursing care and prioritize interventions that promote healing and optimal recovery.