Nursing care of an osteogenesis imperfecta infant and child.

Because the child with osteogenesis imperfecta is hospitalized in the same setting many times throughout his childhood, the nursing staff become well acquainted with him and his family, and are able to assess the child's and parents' understanding of this chronic debilitating disease. The staff can help them to develop a realistic attitude toward their life and future plans. The family should be encouraged to see that the OI child attends a regular school whenever possible so that their active, excellent minds can develop. The family and child should be assured that an OI child can be educated to become a self-supporting adult.