Fracture care, traction, and post-operative joint replacement nursing priorities and complication recognition.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is an open (compound) fracture?
- A fracture where the broken bone breaks through the skin, creating a wound and infection risk.
- What is a closed (simple) fracture?
- A fracture where the skin remains intact over the break.
- What are the 6 P's used to assess for compartment syndrome?
- Pain, pressure, paresthesia, pallor, paralysis, pulselessness.
- What is the earliest sign of compartment syndrome?
- Severe pain out of proportion to the injury, unrelieved by opioids.
- Why is pulselessness a late and ominous sign of compartment syndrome?
- It indicates arterial occlusion and impending tissue necrosis.
- What is the classic triad of fat embolism syndrome?
- Hypoxemia, altered mental status, and petechial rash.
- Where does the petechial rash of fat embolism syndrome typically appear?
- Upper chest, axilla, and neck.
- When does fat embolism syndrome typically occur after a long bone fracture?
- Within 12 to 48 hours.
- What is the first nursing priority when caring for a new fracture?
- Immobilize the joints above and below the fracture site.
- Why should a casted extremity be elevated above heart level?
- To reduce swelling and promote venous return.
- Why should a wet plaster cast never be covered with a blanket?
- Covering traps heat and moisture, preventing proper drying.
- What cast finding suggests an infection underneath?
- A foul odor or a warm, hot spot on the cast.
- What is skin traction?
- Traction applied to the skin surface using a boot, belt, or foam wrap to pull on the underlying bone indirectly.
- What is skeletal traction?
- Traction applied directly to the bone through a surgically inserted pin or wire.
- What nursing care is essential at a skeletal traction pin site?
- Regular pin site care to monitor for and prevent infection.