Anthony Perkins is a 15-year-old African American male who was at a medically monitored summer camp and participated in several sports activities when the temperature was greater than 90 degrees.

Anthony Perkins is a 15-year-old African American male who was at a medically monitored summer camp and participated in several sports activities when the temperature was greater than 90 degrees. He began having pain in his knees and was evaluated by the camp nurse. After evaluation, he was transported to his primary care provider where he was then transferred as a direct admit to the pediatric floor of the community hospital where you are the primary nurse responsible for his care. He weighs 154 lbs or 70 kg.

What is the primary problem that your patient is most likely presenting?

What nursing priority(ies) will guide your plan of care? (if more than one-list in order of PRIORITY)

What interventions will you initiate based on this priority?

ANSWER

Pediatric Nursing Care Plan: Knee Pain in a 15-Year-Old African American Male

Introduction

Anthony Perkins, a 15-year-old African American male, presents with knee pain following his participation in sports activities during hot weather at a medically monitored summer camp. As the primary nurse responsible for his care, it is crucial to identify the primary problem, establish nursing priorities, and initiate appropriate interventions to optimize his well-being and facilitate his recovery.

Primary Problem

The primary problem that Anthony Perkins is most likely presenting with is knee pain. The pain onset, occurring after engaging in sports activities in high temperatures, suggests a potential musculoskeletal injury or strain related to physical exertion (Jordan et al., 2010). However, further assessment and diagnostic tests are necessary to determine the exact cause and nature of his knee pain.

Nursing Priorities:

Pain management: Effective pain management is the foremost priority in Anthony’s care plan. Knee pain can significantly impact his comfort, mobility, and overall well-being. Employing pain assessment tools such as a visual analog scale or numerical rating scale will help gauge the severity of his pain. By employing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, we can effectively manage his pain and improve his quality of life.

Physical assessment and monitoring: Conducting a comprehensive physical assessment is crucial to identify any signs of inflammation, swelling, or abnormalities in Anthony’s knee joint. Frequent monitoring of his vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, can provide valuable insights into his overall health status and help identify any systemic issues that may have contributed to the development of knee pain.

Safety and immobilization: Ensuring the safety of the patient is of paramount importance, particularly when dealing with a potential musculoskeletal injury. It is essential to immobilize the affected knee joint using appropriate splints or braces to prevent further damage and support the healing process (DeYulis, 2022). Additionally, providing a safe environment and implementing fall prevention strategies will minimize the risk of further injury.

Interventions

Pain management interventions: a. Administer analgesic medications as prescribed by the primary care provider to alleviate Anthony’s pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be effective in reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. b. Implement non-pharmacological pain management techniques, including ice or heat therapy, elevation of the affected limb, and guided relaxation exercises. These interventions can help reduce pain and promote healing.

Physical assessment and monitoring interventions: a. Conduct a thorough physical assessment of Anthony’s knee joint, assessing for tenderness, swelling, redness, or any signs of instability. Document the findings and communicate them to the primary care provider. b. Monitor vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, to identify any systemic issues that may be contributing to his knee pain. Frequent assessments will help identify any changes or potential complications.

Safety and immobilization interventions: a. Collaborate with the primary care provider to determine the appropriate type of immobilization for Anthony’s knee joint. This may include the application of a knee brace, cast, or splint (Van Gemert et al., 2012). b. Ensure the environment is safe and free from obstacles that may pose a risk of falls or further injury. Implement fall prevention strategies such as the use of handrails, slip-resistant flooring, and adequate lighting.

Conclusion

In caring for Anthony Perkins, a 15-year-old African American male with knee pain, the nursing priorities of pain management, physical assessment and monitoring, and safety and immobilization will guide the plan of care. By effectively managing his pain, conducting regular assessments, and ensuring a safe environment, we can promote his healing, optimize his comfort, and facilitate a smooth recovery process.

References

DeYulis, M. (2022, August 22). Joint Immobilization. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557703/ 

Jordan, J. M., Holden, M. A., Mason, E., & Foster, N. E. (2010). Interventions to improve adherence to exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd005956.pub2 

Van Gemert, J. P., De Vree, L. M., Hessels, R. a. P. A., & Gaakeer, M. I. (2012). Patellar dislocation: cylinder cast, splint or brace? An evidence-based review of the literature. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1865-1380-5-45