Wild Card
The medical term that refers to the surgical removal of a diseased joint and replacement with prosthetics or artificial components made of metal (stainless steel, titanium) and/or plastic.
Arthroplasty
This type of fracture goes through the entire bone dividing it into two distinct parts.
Complete Fracture
What does the acronym RICE stand for?
R: rest
I: ice
C: compress
E: elevate
The nurse should provide a diet high in _____ and _____ to facilitate bone healing.
Protein & Calcium
List 3 possible complications a pt. with a fracture may have.
Compartment Syndrome
Fat Embolism
Venous Thromboembolism (DVT or PE)
Osteomyelitis
Avascular Necrosis
Failure of Fracture to Heal
Hemorrhage
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Heterotopic Ossification
What is the surgical procedure used to relieve pressure and prevent tissue necrosis for a pt. with compartment syndrome?
Fasciotomy
This type of fracture occurs to bones that are weak from a disease process such as bone cancer or osteoporosis.
Pathological (Spontaneous) Fracture
List two things a nurse should assess for at a pin site.
1. Drainage and redness (color, amount, odor)
2. Loosening of pins
3. Tenting of skin at pin site (skin rising up pin)
What priority medication should be given to a pt. with an open fracture?
Broad Spectrum Antibiotic (prophylactic to decrease risk of infection)
_______ is a fracture that heals incorrectly.
_______ is a fracture that never heals.
Malunion & Nonunion
This treatment procedure uses a pulling force (traction) is applied manually to realign the displaced fractured bone fragments. Once the fracture is reduced, immobilization is used to allow the bone to heal.
Closed Reduction
The pt. X-ray shows multiple bone fragments that are not in alignment and do not break through the skin surface. What kind of fracture does this pt. have?
A Closed Displaced Comminuted Fracture.
Rotating the pt. feet at the ankles and performing other lower extremity exercises as permitted are nursing interventions that can prevent.
Venous Thromboembolism (DVT or PE)
This casting material is lightweight, strong, water-resistant, dries quickly (30min), and is the most commonly used.
Synthetic Fiberglass
Pt. is complaining of constant, pulsating pain and the nurse notes erythema and edema at the site of the open fracture. The nurse should recognize that the pt. may be developing which fracture complication?
Osteomyelitis
What is the priority post-op care for a pt with a mandibular fracture?
Maintain a patent airway. Keep wire cutter or scissors at bedside at all times.
What does an impacted fracture mean?
The fractured bone is wedged inside an opposite fractured fragment.
What is the priority initial nursing intervention for a pt. with an open fracture?
Assess for bleeding and apply pressure if needed then cover the open wound with a sterile dressing.
Which type of traction is used preoperatively for hip fracture immobilization?
Buck's Traction
This complication is most common 12-48hr after injury of long bone or hip fractures.
Fat embolism
The disinfectant used pin site care.
Chlorhexidine
What damage does a pt. with a Grade II open (compound) fracture have?
The damage includes skin and muscle contusions without extensive soft tissue injury.
What are the 6 components of a neurovascular assessment?
1. Pain: assess pain level, location, and frequency
2. Sensation: assess for numbness or tingling of the extremity
3. Skin Temperature: the affected extremity should be warm, not cool, to touch
4. Capillary Refill: prolonged refill indicates decreased arterial perfusion
5. Pulses: pulses should be equal to the unaffected extremity may need doppler ultrasonography to assess pulse.
6. Movement: pt. should be able to move affected extremity in active motion
This type of treatment is used to treat comminuted fractures or nonunion fractures with extensive soft tissue damage.
External fixation
What are the 5 P's used to assess a pt. for compartment syndrome?
Pain, Paralysis, Paresthesia, Pallor, Pulselessness