Orthopedic Nursing Flashcards
what is the main consideration for orthopaedic surgery? how do we combat this?
they have a high risk of SSI occurring which can lead to wound breakdown and surgical failure
to avoid this:
- do first so not contaminated by other surgeries
- closed gloving, mask, hat etc
- disposable drapes - water proof and extra security
- give pre, peri and post antibiotics
what are the different categories of fractures?
- cause
- direction of fracture line
- the extent of fracture damage
- the extent of tissue damage
- the number of fracture lines
- position of bone fragments
what are the different causes of fractures?
direct = impact on bone
indirect = pressure on bone
disease = eg oesteoparosis
what are the different directions of fracture lines?
transverse = short way
longitudinal = long ways
spiral = around
oblique = diagonally
what are the different extents of fracture damage?
complete = through both cortex
incomplete = through one cortex
fissure = small crack
what are the different extents of tissue damage with fractures?
open = with wound
closed = no wound
complicated = other tissue injury (eg ligament or tendon damage)
what are the terms for different numbers of fracture lines?
simple = one
comminuted = one fracture line but many fragments
multiple = multiple fracture lines and several fragments
segmental = multiple fractures on shaft of long bone
what are the different positions of bone fragments?
non-displaced = still inline
overriding = fragments have moved position
what are the stages of fracture healing?
haematoma formation
- swelling and bruising to stabilise bone
fibrocartilage callus formation
- new blood vessels through haematoma
bony callus formation
- spongy bone
- some stability back
bone remodelling
- now healed
- need to mobilise to remodel and remove bone lumps
what factors effects bone healing?
immobilisation/weight-bearing
insufficient support
poor nutrition
poor perfusion
infection
pain
what is an ASIF kit? what does it include?
Association for the Study of Internal Fixation
Contains;
- drill bit
- drill sleeve
- countersink
- depth gauge
- tap
- screwdriver
what is the function of drill bits?
cutting tools used in a drill to create holes
glide hole
- with a drill bit with the same external diameter as the screw being placed
pilot hole
- created with a drill bit that has the same diameter as the core of the screw
what is the function of a drill sleeve?
prevents the drill bit from collecting debris from the surrounding tissues
what is the function of a countersink?
cuts an indent in the bone surface that allows the head of the screw to be flush
what is the function of a depth gauge?
used to measure the depth of a drilled hole
helps determine the length of screw to place
