Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CPEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Recognizing a possible fracture in a child involves assessing multiple signs and symptoms, as fractures can present in various ways. Each of the provided signs—soft tissue swelling, inability to use the limb, and redness and deformity—can indicate the presence of a fracture.

Soft tissue swelling often occurs in fractures due to inflammation and bruising around the affected area. This swelling can be an early visual clue that something is wrong, though it is not exclusively indicative of a fracture.

Inability to use the limb is another significant indicator of a fracture. When a child cannot move or bear weight on an injured limb, this suggests there may be structural damage such as a fracture. This symptom is particularly concerning because it impacts the child’s functionality.

Redness and deformity can also be strong indicators of a fracture. Redness may suggest inflammation, while deformity is a more direct sign of a fracture, especially if the bone is visibly misaligned or if the shape of the limb appears abnormal.

Considering all these points, recognizing a possible fracture requires a holistic assessment of symptoms. Therefore, the correct choice encompasses the combination of all the individual signs, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive evaluation when assessing for potential fractures in children.