Final answer:
The priority finding to report to the provider is the child's foot being cool and pale, indicating possible compromised circulation. While fever and pain at the pin site should be reported, they are not as immediate a concern as the risk of tissue damage due to poor circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The school-age child with skeletal traction applied to the right lower leg due to a femur fracture presents several findings for the nurse to assess. Among these findings, the child's foot being cool and pale (b) is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider. A cool and pale foot indicates possible compromised circulation to the extremity, which can be a sign of a serious complication such as compartment syndrome or vascular injury. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further tissue damage or loss of function.
Next, fever of 101°F in the child (c) could signify an infection and should be reported, but it is not as immediate a concern as a compromised circulation. Pain at the pin site (a) is expected to a certain degree; however, it should be monitored for signs of infection. The ability to wiggle their toes (d) is a positive sign indicating that the child has nerve function and is not likely a priority concern at this moment.