Trauma 3: Complications of Fx's Flashcards
what are direct complications of fx’s (3)
infection
incorrect union
necrosis
what are indirect complications of fx’s (5)
compartment syndrome
venous thromboembolism
fat embolism
rhabdomyolysis
hypovolemic shock
Infection risk of fx’s increases with (5)
open fx’s
soft tissue injury
surgical irrigation & debridement
skin grafting
antibiotics
what is surgical irrigation & debridement
wound cleaned w/ saline lavage in OR
what can be removed during surgical irrigation & debridement (4)
muscle
sub-q fat
skin & bone fragments
what are two basic types of compartment syndrome
decreased compartment size
increased compartment contents
what are the 6 s/s of compartment syndrome
pain
pressure
paresthesia
pallor
paralysis
pulselessness
do a regular ___ assessment to watch for compartment syndrome
neurovascular
what will be a big indicator of compartment syndrome and causes the provider to be notified
pain unrelieved by drugs & out of proportion to injury
We do not do what two things for compartment syndrome
NO elevation
NO ice
how can we help relieve compartment syndrome (3)
loosen bandage & split cast
reduce traction wt
surgical decompression
what is a venous thromboembolism (VTE)
a blood clot that forms in the veins
what can aggravate a VTE
decreased activity in muscles
how can we prevent VTE (4)
prophylactic anticoaugs
antiembolism stockings
SCDS
ROM exercises
how does a fat embolism occur
occurs after a fx (particularly from crushing injury to long bone)
