Final answer:
When educating parents of a child with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, the nurse would focus on the possibility of joint deformity and limited range of motion as long-term effects. The disease specifically impacts the hip joint, necessitating close monitoring and management to prevent serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In planning teaching to parents of a child with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, the nurse would include information about long-term effects, which commonly involve potential joint deformity and a limited range of motion. This disease affects the hip joint, leading to a temporary loss of blood supply to the femur's spherical head, which can cause bone death and subsequent healing that might distort the shape of the hip, potentially causing arthritis and long-term joint issues. Treatment is focused on preserving the hip's shape and ensuring as normal hip function as possible to prevent these complications.
It's important to distinguish Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease from other conditions that may affect the legs and feet, like clubfoot or muscular dystrophy, which have different prognoses and treatment pathways. Unlike these conditions, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease does not immediately present with muscle weakness or abnormal foot positioning; rather, it develops over time and primarily involves the hip joint. Therefore, teaching will center on monitoring the child's hip development, managing symptoms, and potential long-term outcomes, which may include joint problems and mobility restrictions.