Ortho Complications (compartment syndrome)

Question 1

compartment syndrome can happen when the fracture has not been___ and has not had___

Answer 1

elevated; ice packs

Question 2

what happens to the tissue?

Answer 2

fluid accumulates in the tissue and impairs tissue perfusion. the muscle becomes swollen and hard and the patient complains of severe pain that is NOT relieved with pain meds.

Question 3

is this pain predictable?

Answer 3

Nope! happens suddenly

Question 4

if undetected, it can result in ____ damage and possible amputation.

Answer 4

nerve

Question 5

pain is ____ to the injury

Answer 5

disproportionate (meaning, it could be a small fracture, but this patient is in agony)

Question 6

what are some common areas?

Answer 6

-forarm and quadricept

Question 7

TX:

____ or bi-valve the cast

Answer 7

loosen the cast to restore the circulation

(bivalve= split cast in half)

Question 8

TX:

what is a fasciotomy?

Answer 8

when the doc cuts down into the tissue to relieve the pressure and restore circulation

Question 9

if you see the answer “remove the cast” because___

Answer 9

only remove the cast if this patient has a REALLY REALLY bad neurovascular check (ALWAYS PICK LOOSEN THE CAST. THE DOC REMOVES THE CAST. NOT THE NURSE)

Question 10

orthopedic nurses usually have cast cutter available. T OR F?

Answer 10

T!

Question 11

When you’re using a cast saw/ cast cutter to lossen the cast on a patient, make sure you tell them that___

Answer 11

it won’t touch the skin. it only vibrates