Extremity Injury Standard

Question 1

What should you also check before and after splinting?

Answer 1

Assess distal circulation, sensation and movement.

Question 2

How should you splint joint injuries?

Answer 2

As found, unless distal pulse is absent or fracture is severely angulated

Question 3

What should you do if a fracture has caused a distal pulse to be absent or severely angulated?

Answer 3

Apply gentle traction, if resistance or severe pain is encountered, splint as found

Question 4

Should you splint a open or closed femur fracture?

Answer 4

Yes, with a traction splint, unless the limb is partially amputated

Question 5

If a extremity injury affects a joint how should you stabilize it?

Answer 5

Immobilize above and below the joint

Question 6

What should you do if adequate circulation or sensation is absent after splinting?

Answer 6

Gently re-manipulate extremity to restore neurovascular status

Question 7

Once an extremity injury is properly splinted, what are two addition therapies you could consider?

Answer 7

1. Elevate the limb if practical

2. Apply a cold pack over the affected extremity

Question 8

What additional interventions should you do if the fracture is open?

Answer 8

1. Irrigate with saline or sterile water if grossly contaminated
2. Cover ends of bone with moist sterile dressing and/or padding

Question 9

What should you do if a splint does not fit the patient?

Answer 9

Splint body parts together

Question 10

With respect to femur and tibia fractures, what two details should you keep in mind when using a spinal board or breakaway stretcher?

Answer 10

1. Stabilize injured extremity to uninjured leg before transferring to a spinal board/breakaway stretcher
2. If you need to log roll, roll onto uninjured side

Question 11

How often should you re-assess distal neurovascular status for a extremity injury where there was a compromise on initial assessment?

Answer 11

Approximately every 10 minutes