An X-ray confirms that the epiphyseal plate of a 10-year-old is fractured. The nurse would anticipate that the damage may result in which of the following?
Explanation
• The epiphyseal plates are an important area of bone growth. Any damage there may result in bone-growth disruption.
• Increase in the length of long bones occurs at the epiphyseal plate, a cartilage segment. As cartilage cells grow away from the shaft, they are replaced by bone, thereby increasing bone length.
Incorrect options:
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a collagen disease with an autoimmune component. It has no relationship to fractures.
• Nerve damage and osteomyelitis may occur with any fracture, but growth disruption is the primary concern at the epiphyseal plate.