Bones/Inj Flashcards
do fractures, such as an open femur fracture, cause muscle spasms?
Fractures typically cause swelling, but swelling may take hours to develop and, in some types of fractures, is very slight. When muscles around the injured area try to hold a broken bone in place, muscle spasms may occur, causing additional pain
swollen fingers stepped on during a music event. fingers are discolored. treat how?
immobilize, apply ice
kid on her bike, hits arm on a mailbox. no open bones sticking out , arms swollen, black and blue. no deformity. inj is likely:
hematoma
*bad bruise where blood pools under the skin
compartment syndrome
A painful and dangerous condition caused by pressure buildup from internal bleeding or swelling of tissues
Common Signs and Symptoms: The “5 P’s” are oftentimes associated with compartment syndrome: pain, pallor (pale skin tone), paresthesia (numbness feeling), pulselessness (faint pulse) and paralysis (weakness with movements). Numbness, tingling, or pain may be present in the entire lower leg and foot.
toddler that fell off roof, hit his head. how will u transport:
use padding along the side of the ptnt whe immobilizing to a backboard
ptnt hit in head with a ball, confused, stable vitals. during transport his BP increases and pulse decreases. change may indicate:
onset of increasing intracranial pressure
femur fracture ptnt, bones protrude. least likely to happen (vs a closed fracture)
compartment syndrome
ptnt with fractured pelvis after a fall. there is a radial pulse until ten mins later the radial pulses are no longer present. this likely means
the ptnt had a bp drop.
ptnt with isolated closed head inj, and takes bp meds, will likely have what signs:
paralysis in some areas
elevated bp
perrl
elevated heart rate (incorrect)
secondary assessment, ptnt had trauma in chest area, sternum is moving during inhale. becoming sob - you:
provide O2 and assist ventilations
secure bulky dressing over the chest
contact ALS for interventions
provide O2 and assist ventilations
scalp wound treatment:
appl ice
direct firm pressure
direct gentle pressure
apply large trauma dressing (incorrect)
MSK injs= muscular skeleton
EXPOSE: EMS providers should begin the evaluation of the MSK injury by visually assessing the injury and removing any overlying clothing or jewelry so they can fully examine the affected body part.
VISUAL: One should look for any debris such as broken glass and dirt that can be easily brushed away and not become embedded into the skin of the patient.
OPEN/CLOSED: Also, one should assess whether there is disruption of the skin secondary to a fracture.
PALPATE: Next, palpate the injured area for any deformity, bony tenderness, swelling, or crepitus.
PMS: Evaluate the distal portion of the affected extremity to assess for proper circulation, sensation, and muscle strength. Do this by checking capillary refill, distal pulses, muscle strength testing, and skin sensation.
There is some controversy over whether or not EMS providers should attempt reduction to realign bone fractures. The current teaching is that the MSK injury should be splinted in the position the patient is found unless there is apparent poor distal circulation.
attempts to reduce a fracture:
Approach to Reduction (reduce is the attempt to place back into normal position)
To perform a reduction of a fracture, EMS providers start by checking for distal circulation, sensation, and motor function. Next, stabilize above and below the injury, followed by applying gentle traction to the distal extremity in the direction it is facing. While maintaining traction, move the distal extremity back toward its anatomical position. Stop immediately if there is resistance, a significant increase in pain, or when the correct anatomical position is obtained. Recheck distal circulation, sensation, and motor function. Apply an effective splint to maintain anatomical position and to protect the extremity from further damage.
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if you get an injury with heavy bleeding that needs to be treated, and you don’t have gloves:
when gloves aren’t available use a plastic bag as a barrier
