Types of Fractures
A fracture in which a fragment of the bone is pulled away by the tendon it attaches to.
Avulsion Fracture
A fracture may cause a visible ________ of the extremity.
deformity
List 5 potential complications of a fracture.
Pressure Ulcers
Disuse Syndrome
Shock
Compartment Syndrome
Fat Embolism
Delayed Union & Nonunion
Avascular Necrosis
Reaction to Internal Fixation Devices
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Heterotrophic Ossification
What are the 4 stages of bone healing?
hematoma
inflammatory
reparative
remodeling
What is the name for an elastic bandage applied in a spiral fashion that does not restrict circulation but may contain a hard component that immobilizes a fracture?
Splint
A type of fracture where one side of the bone is broken and the other side is bent.
Greenstick
What two signs of inflammation are also often present in cases of bone fractures?
pain and swelling
This complication of fractures is often the result of immobilization during the healing process.
disuse syndrome/muscle atrophy
What happens at the end of the inflammatory stage right before the reparative phase begins?
Fibroblasts form a callus bridge over the fracture.
Casts are used for what purposes?
Immobilization
correction of deformity
application of pressure
joint stabilization
A fracture that occurs at an angle going across the bone rather than going straight across.
Oblique Fracture
What is usually done to confirm or rule out a suspected fracture?
xray
This complication of fractures is caused by increased pressure in the extremity due to swelling and/or immobilization devices that compress swollen tissue, and is very very serious.
Compartment syndrome
What forms as a result of localized bleeding in the injured tissue within days of a fracture?
hematoma
Which type of device encloses the trunk and at least a portion of the lower extremities?
spica cast
Describe an open fracture.
one that involves skin or mucous membranes and may also be called a compound fracture.
What is often reported by a client who has a fracture?
accident or injury
What is the surgical procedure that must be done to preserve limb perfusion in the event of compartment syndrome?
Fasciotomy
Immobilization of a fracture is necessary until ossification is noted on xray. This generally occurs during what phase of healing?
reparative
Describe the importance of pin care with the use of an external fixation device.
Fractures of the ribs in children, multiple fractures in different stages of healing, unexplained fractures, or fractures that don't match the explanation in a child may be an indication of what?
child abuse
True or False? Fractures are always evident by looking at the affected site.
False
A client who presents with an open femur fracture complains of sudden onset of shortness of breath and states, "I literally think I am going to die." What complication does the nurse suspect?
Fat embolism
Even after a fracture has healed and the remodeling phase is complete, what may remain at the site of injury?
thickened bone surface
List 3 principles of effective use of traction.
applies counterforce
NEVER INTERRUPTED (DO NOT remove weights unless ordered)
Elimination of factors that reduce the pull applied by traction
Weights should be free hanging and ropes should be unobstructed
knots and footplates should not touch the bed
PIN CARE