Fractures
A fracture in which one bone is partially bent and partially broken, common in children.
What is a greenstick fracture?
I am type of cast that requires CMST monitoring and the 7 Ps. I may need to be distracted and instructed not to put anything in the cast, because I am causing pruritus. I have to explain to the patient this cast might remain wet for 24 to 48 hours.
What is a plaster cast?
I am the nurse caring for a patient who has experienced a fat embolism. I place the patient in high Fowlers position, anticipate IV fluid orders, notify healthcare provider. What is an important intervention that I can do for this patient?
What is adminster oxygen?
I am an early complication after a fracture and involves fat from the bone marrow getting into circulation. The patient's sign/symptoms is a chest/neck rash, confusion, respiratory distress.
What is a fat embolism?
I am when the bone is restored to proper alignment. I am performed as a nonsurgical intervention with manual manipulation. I can be performed by local or general anesthesia.
What is a closed reduction?
A fracture in which there is a break into the skin in which fragments of broken bone protrude.
What is an open (compound) fracture?
If your patient had this procedure done you should keep their legs abducted, avoid internal rotation (pigeon toes), make sure there is no flexion greater than 60-90 degrees, and do frequent neurovascular checks.
What is a hip arthroplasty?
After this intervention occurs in the joint, the patient may have to use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine to increase flexion and extension. I will have to educate the patient on leg exercises to obtain 90 degree flexion and quadriceps for leg lifts. They may need a leg immobilizer out of bed.
What is knee surgery/arthroplasty?
I am a complication when a fracture is unable to heal. I may need to be treated with an electrical bone growth stimulating device, surgery, or bone grafting.
What is nonunion?
I am an external frame to stabilize the fracture by attaching skeletal pins through bone fragments to provide a rigid external support. I allow freedom of movement.
What is external fixation?
This type of fracture is in which the bone is broken and shattered into more than two fragments
What is a comminuted fracture?
If your patient had this procedure done you should encourage mobilization with crutches, prevent complications including infection, contractures or decreased healing, watch for psychosocial/body image issues, manage pain, and rub/tap their body part to desensitize. You should also elevate to decrease edema, but for no longer than 24 hours, otherwise a contracture may occur.
What is an amputation?
The distal arm of the angle of the joint points away from the midline.
What are valgus deformities?
I am an early complication of a fracture and am a dangerous pyogenic infection of bone that is commonly caused by staph. My signs and symptoms include an increased temperature, chills, tachycardia, malaise, an increased ESR (sedimentation rate) and WBC, pain, swelling/edema.
What is Osteomyelitis?
I am when the bone is restored by surgical intervention and might be treated with an internal fixation device.
What is open reduction?
This type of fracture is a spontaneous fracture at the site of bone disease.
What is a pathological fracture?
I must perform assessment of color, temperature, movement, and sensation of the fingers on the affected hand. I may even need to perform the Phalen and Tinel's test to assess for pain on the medial nerve.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally. Also known as a bunion.
What is hallux valgus?
The patient is confused, restless, and dyspneic. The patient also may have chest pain, coughing, hemoptysis, crackles. I am caused by a blood clot into the vein.
What is venous thrombosis?
I am a traction that is applied by using elastic bandages or an adhesive, foam boot, or sling.
What is a skin traction?
This is a line of fracture that extends across the bone shaft at a right angle to longitudinal axis.
What is a transverse fracture?
For care of this patient, I should keep a tourniquet within reach at all times, observe the dressing for bleeding. I should report any dark-red, black tissues or gangrene.
What is amputation?
If your patient has this complication you need to loosen and remove whatever is causing restriction. You will have to assess CMST, the seven Ps, notify the provider before any permanent loss of function.
What is compartment syndrome?
I am a fracture complication caused by decreased circulation to the muscles of the extremities such as edema, inflammation, tight casts/dressings. I can cause unrelieved pain despite pain medications, irreversible damage, and loss of limb if not treated.
What is compartment syndrome?
If your patient has one of these, you should keep it exposed to air without a cover, use flat hands to handle it, elevate it, and exercise the joint above and below it.
What is a cast?