Fractures and Care

Question 1

what is a fracture?

Answer 1

break in bone

Question 2

majority of fractures are from what?

Answer 2

traumatic injury

Question 3

some fractures are secondary to which dz processes?

Answer 3

cancer
osteoporosis

Question 4

what is an open fracture

Answer 4

skin broken, bone exposed

Question 5

what is a closed fracture

Answer 5

skin intact

Question 6

displaced fracture

Answer 6

two ends separated from each other (comminuted, oblique)

Question 7

non-displaced fracture

Answer 7

periosteum is intact, bone is aligned (transverse, spiral, greenstick)

Question 8

s/s fracture (8)

Answer 8

-edema
-pain
-muscle spasm
-deformity
-contusion (bruise)
-loss of function
-crepitation (audible grinding)
-guarding

Question 9

nursing assessment - objective data (13)

Answer 9

-apprehension
-guarding
-skin lacerations/ color changes
-hematoma, edema
-decreased or absent pulse, decreased skin temp
-delayed cap refill
-parasthesia (numbness, tingling)
-absent, decreased or increased sensation
-restricted or lost function
-deformities
-shortening, rotation, crepitation
-muscle weakness
-imaging findings

Question 10

skin traction, also called
how long?

Answer 10

bucks traction
24-48 hrs

Question 11

skeletal traction can be _______
what is done?
risk for what

Answer 11

long term
pin, wire inserted into bone
infection

Question 12

elevate extremity how long after casting

Answer 12

48 hrs

Question 13

observe for signs of _______ with a cast

Answer 13

compartment syndrome, increased pressure

Question 14

external fixation is what ?

Answer 14

metal pins and rods outside

Question 15

nursing - external fixation

Answer 15

pin loosening, infection, pin site care, teaching for s/s of infection

Question 16

dietary requirements

Answer 16

-protein (1g/kg/day)
-Vit. B, C, D
-Ca+
-Mg+ (helps hold K+)
-fluid intake 2000-3000mL/day
-high fiber, fruits, veg.

Question 17

peripheral neurovascular assessment

Answer 17

1. pain
2. pulse
3. parasthesia
4. poiklithermia
5. pallor
6. paralysis

Question 18

we want to prevent which other complications of immobility

Answer 18

-constipation
-renal calculi
-cardiopulmonary reconditioning
-DVT