Unit 5 Flashcards
Neurovascular assessment
Pallor Polar temp Pulses Puffiness Paresthesia Paralysis Pain
Patient has fallen… what do you do?
Assess environment for safety Call for help Ensure ABCs Control any external bleeding Provide comfort & psychosocial support Do not leave patient alone
Reasons for pelvic fractures
Elderly- falls / osteoporosis
Adults- mvc
Children- abuse, falls, contact sport
What’s the big deal about pelvic fractures?
HEMORRHAGE!!!!!!!!
Open book pelvic fracture
Crushing from anterior-posterior
Disruption at pubic synopsis’s / iliac-sacral joint
Closed book fracture
Lateral pressure
Falling on hip
((BLEEDING, DISPLACEMENT))
Complications of fractures??
Blood loss Avascular necrosis Delayed union Non-union Infection DVT Compartment syndrome fat embolism
Compartment syndrome
Obstruction in venous circulation leads to ncreased pressure resulting in muscle & nerve damage
Compartment syndrome signs & symptoms
Pain unrelieved by antibiotics
Inability to actively extend digits
Increased pain from movement of digits
Interventions for compartment syndrome
Notify physician
May require fasciotomy
Elevate to level of heart
Loosen / remove restrictive dressing
Fat embolism
Fat globules deposited in small blood vessels that supply major organs
Associated with long bone fractures
24-48 hrs post sx
Signs and symptoms of fat embolism
Similar to PE
AMS Fever Petechiae*** Restlessness Chest pain Tachypnea Dyspnea Low PaO2 Cyanosis
Interventions for fat embolism
Immobilize long bone fractures IMMEDIATELY
O2
Steroids
Heart monitoring
