CONTUSIONS, STRAINS & SPRAINS
A soft-tissue injury caused by blunt force resulting in ecchymosis and possible hematoma.
What is a contusion?
A partial or incomplete loss of joint alignment.
What is a subluxation?
A break in bone continuity that does not disrupt the skin.
What is a closed (simple) fracture?
A rigid external immobilizer molded to the body to stabilize fractures.
What is a cast?
A pulling force used to align bones and reduce muscle spasms.
What is traction?
An injury caused by overstretching or overuse of a muscle or tendon, commonly called a muscle pull.
What is a strain?
A complete loss of anatomic alignment of joint surfaces.
What is a dislocation?
A fracture in which the bone communicates with the external environment through a wound.
What is an open (compound) fracture?
A non-circumferential immobilizer that allows for swelling and easier inspection.
What is a splint?
The most important principle to ensure traction effectiveness.
What is keeping weights hanging freely and unobstructed?
A ligament injury caused by twisting or hyperextension of a joint, often affecting the ankle or knee.
What is a sprain?
A major complication that can occur if a joint dislocation is not promptly reduced.
What is avascular necrosis?
A fracture that extends into the joint surface and often leads to early osteoarthritis.
What is an intra-articular fracture?
The priority nursing assessment after cast application.
What is a neurovascular assessment?
The most common type of skin traction used for hip fractures awaiting surgery.
What is Buck’s extension traction?
A strain involving partial tearing of muscle or tendon with edema, muscle spasm, and ecchymosis.
What is a second-degree strain?
The priority nursing action before transport of a patient with a suspected joint dislocation.
What is immobilizing the affected joint?
The classic warning signs of neurovascular compromise remembered as the “5 Ps.”
What are pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis?
The correct way to handle a wet plaster cast to prevent pressure injuries.
What is handling the cast with the palms of the hands?
A major complication associated with external fixators related to pin sites.
What is infection or osteomyelitis?
A complete ligament rupture that may involve bone avulsion and abnormal joint motion.
What is a Grade III sprain?
A key post-reduction nursing intervention to restore joint function if the joint is stable.
What is initiating gentle active and passive range-of-motion exercises?
A life-threatening complication characterized by severe unrelieved pain and increased tissue pressure.
What is acute compartment syndrome?
Severe, increasing pain under a cast that is unrelieved by elevation or analgesics suggests this
What is acute compartment syndrome?
The nursing action that should never be performed on an external fixator.
What is adjusting the clamps or frame?