Case Study: Childhood Obesity
Mason is a 7-year-old boy who is at his primary care physician for a routine physical examination. Mason’s mother expresses concern about childhood obesity and is worried that he sleeps too much.
Subjective Data: Mason has been eating more than usual. Mason sleeps between 11 and 12 hours a day. Mason plays team soccer.
Objective Data
Height: 121 cm
Weight: 23 kg
Vital signs: temp, 37º C; pulse, 78 bpm; resp, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 102/62 mm Hg
Height: 90 cm
Mason has a normal physical examination for his age.
Questions:
What should the nurse tell Mason’s mother when discussing her concerns about childhood obesity?
What can Mason’s mother do to help Mason maintain a healthy weight?
Mason’s mother has questions about his joining a soccer team. What should the nurse tell her?
Case Study: Brain Tumor
Caroline is an 11-year-old girl who has an inoperable brain tumor. Caroline has been admitted for palliative care. Her mother, father, and two siblings are with her.
Subjective Data: Caroline complains of a severe headache. She states that she is “afraid to be alone.”
Objective Data
Vital signs: temp, 37.8º C; pulse, 120 bpm; resp, 24 breaths/min; blood pressure, 110/60 mm Hg
Caroline is unable to walk unassisted.
Her pupils are unequal 4 mm right and 6 mm left.
Questions:
What is the most immediate priority for Caroline?
How can Caroline’s nurse help with Caroline’s fears?
How can Caroline’s nurse maintain professional boundaries?
3. Case Study: Hyphema
Johnny is a 10-year-old boy who seeks care after being hit in the right eye with a stuffed snake by his brother 15 minutes before arrival.
Subjective Data: Johnny complains of light sensitivity. Vision in the right eye is blurred.
Objective Data
Vital signs: temp, 36.8º C; pulse, 90 bpm; resp, 18 breaths/min; blood pressure, 110/60 mm Hg
Pupils: Left, 3 mm briskly reactive to light. Right, 3 mm and sluggishly reactive to light
Visual acuity: Right eye unable to see chart; left eye 20/15
Approximately a 30% hemorrhage is noted to the anterior chamber of the right eye with an intact globe.
Questions:
Johnny is at risk for what complications?
What measures may help prevent these complications?
What should the nurse do in this situation? Prioritize these actions.
Sample Solution
Case Study: Childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. There may be no symptoms other than weight that`s above normal. Treatments usually includes changes in your child`s eating habits and physical activity level. Prioritize fruits and vegetables, limit sweetened beverages, avoid fast food, sit down together for family meals, and serve appropriate portion sizes. In certain circumstances, treatment might include medications or weight-loss surgery. Improving the entire family`s diet and exercise habits is one of the best ways to achieve a healthy weight in the child.
