Orthopedics Flashcards
When someone is in:
Pain/tenderness
Unnatural movement
has a deformity and a shortening of an extremity
has crepitus, swelling and discoloration
These could be s/s of what?
Fracture
What is the one thing we worry about with a fracture
Compartment syndrome
How do we treat fractures
- Immobilize bone ends plus adjacent joints
- Support fracture above and below site
- Move extremity as little as possible
- Use splints
- Cover open fractures with something sterile
What do splints help with
Prevent fat emboli and muscle spasms
When performing a neurovascular check, what are you assessing
Pulse Color Movement Sensation Cap Refill Temp
What are some complications related to Fractures?
- Shock (hypovolemic)
- Fat Embolism
- Compartment syndrome
What kind of fractures do we see shock and fat embolism in
Long bones, femur
Pelvic fractures and crushing injuries
Petechiae or rash over chest conjunctival hemorrage snow storm on cxr young males first 36 hours What are these s/s related to?
Fat Embolism
What is compartment syndrome
It is pressure build up in a limited space,
fluid accumulates in the tissues and impairs it.
What is the main symptom of compartment syndrome
Severe Pain not relieved with pain meds
What are some common areas that compartment syndrome can occur
Forearm and quadricep
What can we do to prevent compartment syndrome
Elevate extremity Soft cast then rigid cast loosen cast to restore circulation -cast cutters to remove cast fasciotomy
How long do you have ice packs on the side for after putting on a plaster and fiberglass cast for?
24 hours, because plaster still wet
What do you use to assess while the casting material is still wet
palm of hands
What should you do for a cast
Keep cast uncovered and allow to air dry do no rest on a hard/sharp surface circle bleeding and date and time it neuro vascular checks cover cast close to groin
What cast is more common to use
Fiberglass, it is lighter and stronger and provides early weight bearing
What do tractions do
Decrease muscle spasm, reduces immobilizes
Should traction be continuous or intermittent
Continuous
Should the weights be hanging freely and knots secure
yes
What should we maintain for the patient
Good positioning, pulled up in bed centered and good alignmet, exercise non-immobilized and special air filled foam mattress
What are the types of traction
Skin Traction
Skeletal Traction
what are skin tractions used for
short term relieve of muscle spasm and to immobilize until surgery
What assessment is important with skin traction
Skin assessment
What type of traction are
tape, boot, splints, buck
Skin traction
What are skeletal tractions used for
Prolonged traction, months
How are skeletal tractions used
It is applied to the bone with pins and wires