NURS 3001

The patient is an 11-year-old girl who comes in after getting hurt during a soccer game. She is crying and says her left lower leg really hurts. The deformity suggests a tib-fib fracture; however, initial X-rays suggest this is much more.

1. The physician has just informed the family that the child may have osteosarcoma. “She is lucky she broke the leg because they can start therapy now. It might have been too late otherwise.” How should the nurse respond?
2. What nursing care should the nurse plan for?
3. The physician has informed the child and parents that tests confirm the diagnosis of osteosarcoma and the best treatment is above-the-knee amputation instead of inserting a pin and rod to fix the fracture. How can the nurse help the family?