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.

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