The nurse is caring for a 16-year-old boy with multiple fractures. Around this age, people often experience closure of the epiphyses. After this occurs, which of the following is true?
Explanation
• The epiphyseal plates (epiphyses) are responsible for bone elongation in children. Once the plate closes during late adolescence or early adulthood, bone length no longer increases.
• Bone thickening is not associated with closure of the epiphyses.