Fractures - Complications

Question 1

arterial damage from fracture or constricting immobilization devices

Answer 1

avascular necrosis

Question 2

s/s:

cool pale skin
diminished or absent pulses
edema
pain

Answer 2

avascular necrosis

Question 3

interventions/prevention of avascular necrosis

Answer 3

maintain adequate perfusion

readjust/remove constricting devices

Question 4

pressure from internal or external force within a confined spaces increases leading to compression of tissues, vessels, and nerves

Answer 4

compartment syndrome

Question 5

s/s:

edema
diminished pulses
paresthesia
pain

Answer 5

compartment syndrome

Question 6

compartmental syndrome in upper extremity w/ brachial artery damage & ischemic contractures

Answer 6

Volkmann’s contractures

Question 7

compartment syndrome prevention

Answer 7

remove/readjust constricting devices
elevation
isotonic exercises to uninjured fingers/toes

Question 8

incision through fascia to relieve pressure w/ compartment syndrome

Answer 8

surgical decompression/fasciotomy

Question 9

s/s:

warm
tender/painful
edema

Answer 9

DVT

Question 10

DVT interventions

Answer 10

IV anticoagulants
elevation
warm compresses

Question 11

DVT prevention

Answer 11

early safe ambulation
exercise
hydration
SQ anticoagulants
TEDs
SCDs

Question 12

fat embolism type s/s

fever
petechiae
thrombocytopenia

Answer 12

general fat emboism

Question 13

fat embolism type s/s

change in mental status, speech, vision, strength

Answer 13

cerebral emboli

Question 14

fat embolism type s/s

tachypnea
chest pain
dyspnea
thick white sputum

Answer 14

pulmonary emboli

Question 15

fat embolism interventions

Answer 15

bed rest
O2
fluids
steroids

Question 16

s/s:

fever
> WBC
purulent drainage
swelling
pain
erythema

Answer 16

infection/osteomyelitis

Question 17

osteomyelitis prevention

Answer 17

hand hygiene
aseptic technique
d/c drains/Foley’s asap
prophylactic antibiotics

Question 18

osteomyelitis interventions

Answer 18

antibiotics
dressing changes
debridement
aspiration

Question 19

risk for hypovolemic shock

Answer 19

fx femur or pelvis