Pediatric hand injuries. Types and general treatment considerations.
Growth arrests may occur after fractures, burns, and frostbite injuries, but children generally have a better prognosis from most hand and forearm injuries than adults. Stiffness is less frequent, open wounds heal faster, remodeling of angular deformities may occur, and nerve recovery following repair is significantly better than adults. Parents should be aware of potential problems and the need for follow-up care for evaluating growth and scar development. Perhaps the greatest challenge for nurses as both parents and as members of society is the prevention of traumatic hand injuries. Children should be placed in seat belts when riding in motor vehicles, and toys and play areas should be geared toward the child's developmental age and abilities. Despite careful attention to a child's surroundings, some children will require emergency care for traumatic hand injuries. Health care workers must provide emotional support for parents who may feel guilty about their child's injury. They also must be prepared to give skilled clinical care guided by the child's development and the needs of the family members.
St Vincent's Medical Center, Jacksonville, Fla.
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D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008722:Methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*