NSG 330 Ch 42- Management Musculoskeletal Trauma

Which term refers to a blunt force injury to soft tissue?

Contusion Explanation: A contusion is blunt force injury to soft tissue. A dislocation is a separation of joint surfaces. A strain is a musculotendinous injury. A fracture is a break in the continuity of the bone.

A client has been diagnosed with a muscle strain. What does the physician mean with the term "strain"?

stretched or pulled beyond its capacity Explanation: A strain is an injury to a muscle when it is stretched or pulled beyond its capacity.

A client asks the nurse why his residual limb cannot be elevated on a pillow. What is the best response by the nurse?

"Elevating the leg might lead to a flexion contracture." Explanation: Elevating the residual limb on a pillow may lead to a flexion contracture; this could jeopardize the client's ability to use a prosthesis. The client does need to turn to both sides but might still be able to do it with the extremity elevated. Elevating the extremity would not increase the risk for compartment syndrome. The limb should not be elevated on pillows or blankets.

An older adult client slipped on an area rug at home and fractured the left hip. The client is unable to have surgery immediately and is having severe pain. What interventions should the nurse provide for the patient to minimize energy loss in response to pain?

Administer prescribed analgesics around-the-clock. Explanation: Pain associated with hip fracture is severe and must be carefully managed with around-the-clock dosing of pain medication to minimize energy loss in response to pain. The client may not request the medication even if they are in pain, and it should be offered at the prescribed time. Give pain medication prior to providing any type of care involved in moving the client.

A client who has sustained a fracture reports an increase in pain and decreased function of the affected extremity. What will the nurse suspect?

Avascular necrosis Explanation: Avascular necrosis refers to the death of the bone from insufficient blood supply, typically manifested by complaints of increased pain and decreased function. Fever or redness, purulent drainage, and swelling of the site would suggest infection. Respiratory distress would suggest a pulmonary embolism. Changes in vital signs, level of consciousness, and signs and symptoms of fluid loss would suggest hypovolemic shock.

Which assessment findings would the nurse expect to find in the postoperative client experiencing fat embolism syndrome?

Column B: HR 116 bpm (tachycardia), RR 32/min (tachypnea), pH 7.50 (alkalotic), CO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaO2 55 mm Hg (hypoxic) Explanation: Fat embolism syndrome is characterized by fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia and other manifestations of respiratory failure. Arterial blood gas findings include a partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) less than 60 mm Hg, with early respiratory alkalosis and later respiratory acidosis.

Which type of fracture produces several bone fragments?

Comminuted Explanation: A comminuted fracture is one that produces several bone fragments. An open fracture is one in which the skin or mucous membrane wound extends to the fractured bone. An oblique fracture runs across the bone at a diagonal angle of 45 to 60 degrees. An incomplete fracture involves a break through only part of the cross-section of the bone.

A nurse admits a patient who has a fracture of the nose that has resulted in a skin tear and involvement of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. The orthopedic nurse is aware that this description likely indicates which type of fracture?

Compound A compound fracture involves damage to the skin or mucous membranes and is also called an open fracture. A compression fracture involves compression of bone and is seen in vertebral fractures. An impacted fracture occurs when a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment. A transverse fracture occurs straight across the bone shaft.

A school nurse is assessing a student who was kicked in the shin during a soccer game. The area of the injury has become swollen and discolored. The triage nurse recognizes that the patient has likely sustained what?

Contusion A contusion is a soft-tissue injury that results in bleeding into soft tissues, creating a hematoma and ecchymosis. A sprain is an injury to ligaments caused by wrenching or twisting. A strain is a muscle pull from overuse, overstretching, or excessive stress. A dislocation is a condition in which the articular surfaces of the bones forming a joint are no longer in anatomic contact. Because the injury is not at the site of a joint, the patient has not experienced a sprain, strain, or dislocation.

A client was climbing a ladder, slipped on a rung, and fell on the right side of the chest. X-ray studies reveal three rib fractures, and the client reports pain with inspiration. What is the anticipated treatment for this client?

Coughing and deep breathing with pillow splinting Explanation: Because these fractures cause pain with respiratory effort, the client tends to decrease respiratory excursions and refrains from coughing. As a result, tracheobronchial secretions are not mobilized, aeration of the lung is diminished, and a predisposition to atelectasis and pneumonia results. To help the client cough and take deep breaths and use an incentive spirometer, the nurse may splint the chest with his or her hands, or may educate the client on using a pillow to temporarily splint the affected site.

Colles fracture occurs in which area?

Distal radius Explanation: A Colles fracture is a fracture of the distal radius (wrist). It is usually the result of a fall on an open, dorsiflexed hand.

An emergency department nurse is assessing a 17-year-old soccer player who presented with a knee injury. The patients description of the injury indicates that his knee was struck medially while his foot was on the ground. The nurse knows that the patient likely has experienced what injury?

Lateral collateral ligament injury When the knee is struck medially, damage may occur to the lateral collateral ligament. If the knee is struck laterally, damage may occur to the medial collateral ligament. The ACL and PCL are not typically injured in this way.

Which factor inhibits fracture healing?

Local malignancy Explanation: Factors that inhibit fracture healing include local malignancy, bone loss, and extensive local trauma. Factors that enhance fracture healing include proper nutrition, vitamin D, exercise, and maximum bone fragment contact.

Which is a hallmark sign of compartment syndrome?

Pain Explanation: A hallmark sign of compartment syndrome is pain that occurs or intensifies with passive range of motion.

A patient who has had an amputation is being cared for by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. What is the primary goal of this multidisciplinary team?

Promote the patients highest possible level of function The multidisciplinary rehabilitation team helps the patient achieve the highest possible level of function and participation in life activities. The team is not primarily motivated by efficiency, the need for holistic care, or the need to foster the patients body image, despite the fact that each of these are valid goals.

An x-ray demonstrates a fracture in which the fragments of bone are driven inward. This type of fracture is referred to as

depressed. Explanation: Depressed skull fractures occur as a result of blunt trauma. A compound fracture is one in which damage also involves the skin or mucous membranes. A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone has splintered into several pieces. An impacted fracture is one in which a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment.

A client who has fallen and injured a hip cannot place weight on the leg and is in significant pain. After radiographs indicate intact but malpositioned bones, what would the physician diagnose?

dislocation Explanation: In joint dislocation, radiographic films show intact yet malpositioned bones. Arthrography or arthroscopy may reveal damage to other structures in the joint capsule. A strain is an injury to a muscle when it is stretched or pulled beyond its capacity. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments surrounding a joint. A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone.

A patient has returned to the postsurgical unit from the PACU after an above-the-knee amputation of the right leg. Results of the nurses initial postsurgical assessment were unremarkable but the patient has called out. The nurse enters the room and observes copious quantities of blood at the surgical site. What should be the nurses initial action?

Apply a tourniquet The nurse should apply a tourniquet in the event of postsurgical hemorrhage. Elevating the limb and applying sterile gauze are likely insufficient to stop the hemorrhage. The nurse should attempt to control the immediate bleeding before contacting the surgeon

A patient with a simple arm fracture is receiving discharge education from the nurse. What would the nurse instruct the patient to do?

Engage in exercises that strengthen the unaffected muscles. The nurse will encourage the patient to engage in exercises that strengthen the unaffected muscles. Comfort measures may include appropriate use of analgesics and elevation of the affected extremity to the heart level. Topical anesthetics are not typically used.

The femur fracture that commonly leads to avascular necrosis or nonunion because of an abundant supply of blood vessels in the area is a fracture of the:

Femoral neck. Explanation: A fracture of the neck of the femur may damage the vascular system and the bone will become ischemic. Therefore, avascular necrosis is common.

Pulselessness, a very late sign of compartment syndrome, may signify

Lack of distal tissue perfusion Explanation: Pulselessness is a very late sign that may signify lack of distal tissue perfusion. The other answers do not apply.

Which term refers to the failure of fragments of a fractured bone to heal together?

Nonunion Explanation: When nonunion occurs, the client reports persistent discomfort and movement at the fracture site. Dislocation refers to the separation of joint surfaces. Subluxation refers to partial separation or dislocation of joint surfaces. Malunion refers to growth of the fragments of a fractured bone in a faulty position, forming an imperfect union.

A client undergoes a total hip replacement. Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse that the client requires further teaching?

"I don't know if I'll be able to get off that low toilet seat at home by myself." Explanation: The client requires additional teaching if he is concerned about using a low toilet seat. To prevent hip dislocation after a total hip replacement, the client must avoid bending the hips beyond 90 degrees. The nurse should instruct the client to use assistive devices, such as a raised toilet seat, to prevent severe hip flexion. Using an abduction pillow or placing several pillows between the legs reduces the risk of hip dislocation by preventing adduction and internal rotation of the legs. Teaching the client to avoid crossing the legs also reduces the risk of hip dislocation. A sock puller helps a client get dressed without flexing the hips beyond 90 degrees.

A client sustains a fractured right humerus in an automobile accident. The arm is edematous, the client states not being able to move or feel the fingers, and the nurse does not feel a pulse. What condition should the nurse be concerned about that requires emergency measures?

Compartment syndrome Explanation: Separation of adjacent bones from their articulating joint interferes with normal use and produces a distorted appearance. The injury may disrupt local blood supply to structures such as the joint cartilage, causing degeneration, chronic pain, and restricted movement. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which a structure such as a tendon or nerve is constricted in a confined space. The fractured humerus may also be dislocated but is not the result of the impaired circulatory status. Muscle spasms may occur around the fracture site but are not the cause of circulatory impairment. Subluxation is a partial dislocation.

A patient has sustained a long bone fracture and the nurse is preparing the patients care plan. Which of the following should the nurse include in the care plan?

Monitor temperature and pulses of the affected extremity The nurse should include monitoring for sufficient blood supply by assessing the color, temperature, and pulses of the affected extremity. Weight-bearing exercises are encouraged, but passive ROM exercises have the potential to cause pain and inhibit healing. Corticosteroids, vitamin D, and calcium are not normally administered.

A client with metastatic bone cancer sustained a left hip fracture without injury. What type of fracture does the nurse understand occurs without trauma or fall?

Pathologic fracture Explanation: A pathologic fracture is a fracture that occurs through an area of diseased bone and can occur without trauma or a fall. An impacted fracture is a fracture in which a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment. A transverse fracture is a fracture straight across the bone. A compound fracture is a fracture in which damage also involves the skin or mucous membranes.

A nurse is planning the care of an older adult patient who will soon be discharged home after treatment for a fractured hip. In an effort to prevent future fractures, the nurse should encourage which of the following? Select all that apply.

Regular bone density testing A high-calcium diet Use of falls prevention precautions Weight-bearing exercise Health promotion measures after an older adults hip fracture include weight-bearing exercise, promotion of a healthy diet, falls prevention, and bone density testing. Corticosteroids have the potential to reduce bone density and increase the risk for fractures.

A patient falls while skiing and sustains a supracondylar fracture. What does the nurse know is the most serious complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus?

Volkmann's ischemic contracture Explanation: The most serious complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus is Volkmann contracture (an acute compartment syndrome), which results from antecubital swelling or damage to the brachial artery and leads to a shortening (contracture) of the forearm muscles. This more commonly occurs in children than adults and will result in a "clawlike" appearance to the hand and wrist. The nurse needs to monitor the patient regularly for compromised neurovascular status and signs and symptoms of acute compartment syndrome. If Volkmann contracture develops, fasciotomy may be necessary with débridement of the muscle (Kare, 2015).

A client has sustained a right tibial fracture and has just had a cast applied. Which instruction should the nurse provide in client cast care?

"Keep your right leg elevated above heart level." Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to elevate the leg to promote venous return and prevent edema. The cast shouldn't be covered while drying. Covering the cast will cause heat buildup and prevent air circulation. The client should be instructed not to insert foreign objects into the cast because of the risk of cutting the skin and causing an infection. A foul smell from a cast is never normal and may indicate an infection.

A 14-year-old client is treated in the emergency room for an acute knee sprain sustained during a soccer game. The nurse reviews discharge instructions with the client's parent. The nurse instructs the parent that the acute inflammatory stage will last how long?

24 to 48 hours Explanation: Rest and ice applications during the first 24 to 48 hours produce vasoconstriction while decreasing bleeding and edema. After this time, the acute inflammatory stage decreases.

The nurse is caring for a patient after arthroscopic surgery for a rotator cuff tear. The nurse informs the patient that full activity can usually resume after what period of time?

6 to 12 months Explanation: The course of rehabilitation following repair of a rotator cuff tear is lengthy (i.e., 6 to 12 months); functionality after rehabilitation depends on the patient's dedication to the rehabilitation regimen (NAON, 2007).

When is it advisable for the nurse to apply heat to a sprain or a contusion?

After 2 days Explanation: It is advisable to apply heat on a sprain or a contusion 2 days after a sprain or a contusion has occurred. This is because after 2 days swelling is not likely to increase and as a result heat application reduces pain and relieves local edema by improving circulation. Delaying the application of heat prolongs the pain and increased the risk of local edema.

A patient sustains a fracture of the arm. When does the nurse anticipate pendulum exercise should begin?

As soon as tolerated, after a reasonable period of immobilization Explanation: Many impacted fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus are not displaced and do not require reduction. The arm is supported and immobilized by a sling and swathe that secure the supported arm to the trunk (Fig. 43-10). Limitation of motion and stiffness of the shoulder occur with disuse. Therefore, pendulum exercises begin as soon as tolerated by the patient. In pendulum or circumduction exercises, the physical therapist instructs the patient to lean forward and allow the affected arm to hang in abduction and rotate. These fractures require approximately 4 to 10 weeks to heal, and the patient should avoid vigorous arm activity for an additional 4 weeks. Residual stiffness, aching, and some limitation of ROM may persist for 6 months or longer (NAON, 2007).

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for monitoring the client for the development of Volkmann's contracture?

Assess the radial pulse. Explanation: Volkmann's contracture is a type of acute compartment syndrome that occurs with a supracondylar fracture of the humerus. The nurse assesses neurovascular function of the hand and forearm.

A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained ligament and a meniscal injury to the knee. Which action would be most appropriate to allow the client to progress without causing further injury?

Assist with a gradual introduction of activity. Explanation: A gradual introduction of activity assists the client with a knee injury to ambulate without causing any further injury. Using NSAIDs or applying ice during the first 48 hours helps ease the pain and the inflammation. The application of heat at a later stage improves the blood circulation. However, the regular use of NSAIDs, cold packs, or heat does not help the client progress without causing any further injury.

A patient has presented to the emergency department with an injury to the wrist. The patient is diagnosed with a third-degree strain. Why would the physician order an x-ray of the wrist?

Avulsion fractures are associated with third-degree strains. An x-ray should be obtained to rule out bone injury, because an avulsion fracture (in which a bone fragment is pulled away from the bone by a tendon) may be associated with a third-degree strain. Nerve damage, compartment syndrome, and greenstick fractures are not associated with third-degree strains.

A patient has stepped in a hole in the yard, causing an ankle injury. The ankle is edematous and painful to palpation. How long should the nurse inform the patient that the acute inflammatory stage will last?

Between 24 and 48 hours Explanation: After the acute inflammatory stage (e.g., 24 to 48 hours after injury), intermittent heat application (for 15 to 30 minutes, four times a day) relieves muscle spasm and promotes vasodilation, absorption, and repair.

In a client with a dislocation, the nurse should initially perform neurovascular assessments a minimum of every 15 minutes until stable. Which complication does the assessments help the nurse to monitor in the client?

Compartment syndrome Explanation: The nurse should initially perform neurovascular assessments a minimum of every 15 minutes until stable in a client with a dislocation to assess for compartment syndrome. It is a complication associated with dislocation. A client with a dislocation does not experience an increased risk of complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or fat embolism syndrome.

Two days after application of a cast to treat a fractured femur, the client reports severe, deep, and constant pain in the leg. What will the nurse suspect?

Compartment syndrome. Explanation: Compartment syndrome refers to the compression of nerves, blood vessels, and muscle within a closed space. This leads to tissue death from lack of oxygenation.

A client comes to the emergency department complaining of localized pain and swelling of the lower leg. Ecchymotic areas are noted. History reveals that the client got hit in the leg with a baseball bat. Which of the following would the nurse suspect as most likely?

Contusion Explanation: The client's description of blunt trauma by a baseball bat and localized pain in conjunction with swelling and ecchymosis would most likely suggest a contusion. A fracture would be manifested by pain, loss of function, deformity, swelling, and spasm. A sprain would be manifested by pain and swelling; ecchymosis may appear later. A strain is characterized by inflammation, local tenderness, and muscle spasms.

A patient is admitted to the orthopedic unit with a fractured femur after a motorcycle accident. The patient has been placed in traction until his femur can be rodded in surgery. For what early complications should the nurse monitor this patient? Select all that apply

Deep vein thrombosis Compartment syndrome Fat embolism Early complications include shock, fat embolism, compartment syndrome, and venous thromboemboli (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE]). Infection and CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) are later complications of fractures.

Which of the following would lead a nurse to suspect that a client has a rotator cuff tear?

Difficulty lying on affected side Explanation: Clients with a rotator cuff tear experience pain with movement and limited mobility of the shoulder and arm. They especially have difficulty with activities that involve stretching their arm above their head. Many clients find that the pain is worse at night and that they are unable to sleep on the affected side.

Which of the following disorders results in widespread hemorrhage andmicrothrombosis with ischemia?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) Explanation: DIC is a systemic disorder that results in widespread hemorrhage and microthrombosis with ischemia. AVN of the bone occurs when the bone loses its blood supply and dies. CRPS is a painful sympathetic nervous system problem. FES occurs when the fat globules released when the bone is fractured occludes the small blood vessels that supply the lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs.

A nurse is planning the care of a patient with osteomyelitis that resulted from a diabetic foot ulcer. The patient requires a transmetatarsal amputation. When planning the patients postoperative care, which of the following nursing diagnoses should the nurse most likely include in the plan of care?

Disturbed Body Image Amputations present a serious threat to any patients body image. None of the other listed diagnoses is specifically associated with amputation.

The nurse caring for a client, who has been treated for a hip fracture, instructs the client not to cross their legs and to have someone assist with tying their shoes. Which additional instruction should the nurse provide to client?

Do not flex the hip more than 90 degrees. Explanation: Proper alignment and supported abduction are encouraged for hip repairs. Flexion of the hip more than 90 degrees can cause damage to the a repaired hip fracture.

A client with arterial insufficiency undergoes below-knee amputation of the right leg. Which action should the nurse include in the postoperative care plan?

Elevating the stump for the first 24 hours Explanation: Stump elevation for the first 24 hours after surgery helps reduce edema and pain by increasing venous return and decreasing venous pooling at the distal portion of the extremity. Bed rest isn't indicated and could predispose the client to complications of immobility. Heat application would be inappropriate because it promotes vasodilation, which may cause hemorrhage and increase pain. The initial pressure dressing usually remains in place for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.

The nurse is providing care for a patient who has had a below-the-knee amputation. The nurse enters the patients room and finds him resting in bed with his residual limb supported on pillow. What is the nurses most appropriate action?

Explain the risks of flexion contracture to the patient. The residual limb should not be placed on a pillow, because a flexion contracture of the hip may result. There is no acute need to contact the patients surgeon. Encouraging exercise or transferring the patient does not address the risk of flexion contracture.

The nurse is teaching the client who will undergo surgery for a transverse fracture. Which image best depicts this type of fracture?

Explanation: A transverse fracture (Option C) results in a break straight across the bone shaft. A comminuted fracture (Option A) is a bone that has splintered into several fragments. A fracture in which a bone fragment is driven into another bone fragment is called an impacted fracture (Option B). A fracture involving damage to the skin or mucous membranes is called an open or compound fracture (Option D).

The client with a fractured left humerus reports dyspnea and chest pain. Pulse oximetry is 88%. Temperature is 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Centigrade); heart rate is 110 beats per minute; respiratory rate is 32 breaths per minute. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing:

Fat embolism syndrome Explanation: The clinical manifestations described in the scenario are characteristic of fat embolism syndrome.

A 20 year-old is brought in by ambulance to the emergency department after being involved in a motorcycle accident. The patient has an open fracture of his tibia. The wound is highly contaminated and there is extensive soft-tissue damage. How would this patients fracture likely be graded?

Grade III Open fractures are graded according to the following criteria. Grade I is a clean wound less than 1 cm long. Grade II is a larger wound without extensive soft-tissue damage. Grade III is highly contaminated, has extensive soft-tissue damage, and is the most severe. There is no grade IV fracture.

Which factor inhibits fracture healing?

History of diabetes Explanation: Factors that inhibit fracture healing include diabetes, smoking, local malignancy, bone loss, extensive local trauma, age greater than 40, and infection. Factors that enhance fracture healing include proper nutrition, vitamin D and calcium, exercise, maximum bone fragment contact, proper alignment, and immobilization of the fracture.

The orthopedic nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of Volkmanns contracture if a patient has fractured which of the following bones?

Humerus The most serious complication of a supracondylar fracture of the humerus is Volkmanns ischemic contracture, which results from antecubital swelling or damage to the brachial artery. This complication is specific to humeral fractures.

The nurse is monitoring a patient who sustained an open fracture of the left hip. What type of shock should the nurse be aware can occur with this type of injury?

Hypovolemic Explanation: Hypovolemic shock resulting from hemorrhage is more frequently noted in trauma patients with pelvic fractures and in patients with a displaced or open femoral fracture in which the femoral artery is torn by bone fragments.

A patient has suffered a femoral shaft fracture in an industrial accident. What is an immediate nursing concern for this patient?

Hypovolemic shock Explanation: Frequently, the patient develops shock, because the loss of 1,000 mL of blood into the tissues is common with fractures of the femoral shaft (ENA, 2013).

A nurse is assigned to support a patient while a cast is being applied to treat a greenstick fracture. The nurse documents that this fracture is classified as what type of fracture?

Incomplete Explanation: A greenstick fracture involves a break through only part of the cross-section of the bone.

An older adult patient experienced a fall and required treatment for a fractured hip on the orthopedic unit. Which of the following are contributory factors to the incidence of falls and fractured hips among the older adult population? Select all that apply.

Loss of visual acuity Adverse medication effects Slowed reflexes Muscle weakness Older adults are generally vulnerable to falls and have a high incidence of hip fracture. Weak quadriceps muscles, medication effects, vision loss, and slowed reflexes are among the factors that contribute to the incidence of falls. Decreased hearing is not noted to contribute to the incidence of falls.

A client who was in a motor vehicle crash is diagnosed with a stable T7 spinal fracture with no neurologic deficits. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

Maintain bed rest with the head of the bed at 20 degrees. Explanation: The client should maintain limited bed rest with the head of the bed lower than 30 degrees. If the client's pain is not controlled with a lower form of pain medication, then an opioid may be used to treat the pain. The nurse should monitor for an ileus. Stable spinal fractures are treated conservatively and not with surgical repair. The client should avoid sitting until the pain eases.

A patient who has undergone a lower limb amputation is preparing to be discharged home. What outcome is necessary prior to discharge?

Patient can demonstrate safe use of assistive devices. A patient should be able to use assistive devices appropriately and safely prior to discharge. Scar formation will not be complete at the time of hospital discharge. It is anticipated that the patient will require some assistance with ADLs postdischarge. Pain should be well managed, but may or may not be wholly absent.

Elderly clients who fall are most at risk for which injuries?

Pelvic fractures Explanation: Elderly clients who fall are most at risk for pelvic and lower extremity fractures. These injuries are devastating because they can seriously alter an elderly client's lifestyle and reduce functional independence. Wrist fractures usually occur with falls on an outstretched hand or from a direct blow. Such fractures are commonly found in young men. Humerus fractures and cervical spine fractures aren't age-specific.

Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention to facilitate healing in a patient who has suffered a hip fracture?

Place a pillow between the patients legs when turning. Placing a pillow between the patients legs when turning prevents adduction and supports the patients legs. Administering analgesics addresses pain but does not directly protect bone remodeling and promote healing. Rotation of the affected leg can cause dislocation and must be avoided. Prone positioning does not need to be maintained at all times.

Which nursing diagnosis is a priority for a client with a traumatically amputated lower extremity?

Risk for injury related to amputation Explanation: The priority diagnosis for this client is Risk for injury related to amputation. Patient safety takes priority. Amputation typically causes an unsteady gait until the client receives physical therapy and learns to ambulate safely. Impaired skin integrity, Anticipatory grieving, and Disturbed body image are also appropriate for a client presenting with a traumatic amputation of an extremity, but Risk for injury is the priority nursing diagnosis.

What assessment findings of the leg are consistent with a fracture of the femoral neck?

Shortened, adducted, and externally rotated Explanation: With fractures of the femoral neck, the leg is shortened, adducted, and externally rotated.

A client sustains an injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint. What will the nurse identify this injury as?

Sprain Explanation: A sprain is an injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint. A strain is an injury to a muscle when it is stretched or pulled beyond its capacity. A contusion is a soft tissue injury resulting from a blow or blunt trauma. A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone.

A client comes to the emergency department and it is found that the client's radial head is partially dislocated. What is this partially dislocated radial head documented as?

Subluxation Explanation: A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation. A Volkmann's contracture is a claw like deformity that results from compartment syndrome or obstructed arterial blood flow to the forearm and hand. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which a structure such as a tendon or nerve is constricted in a confined space and affects nerve innervation, leading to subsequent palsy. A sprain is injury to the ligaments surrounding the joint.

Six weeks after an above-the-knee amputation (AKA), a patient returns to the outpatient office for a routine postoperative checkup. During the nurses assessment, the patient reports symptoms of phantom pain. What should the nurse tell the patient to do to reduce the discomfort of the phantom

Take opioid analgesics as ordered. Opioid analgesics may be effective in relieving phantom pain. Heat, immobility, and elevation are not noted to relieve this form of pain

An elite high school football player has been diagnosed with a shoulder dislocation. The patient has been treated and is eager to resume his role on his team, stating that he is not experiencing pain. What should the nurse emphasize during health education?

The importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment and rehabilitation regimen Patients who have experienced sports-related injuries are often highly motivated to return to their previous level of activity. Adherence to restriction of activities and gradual resumption of activities needs to be reinforced. Appropriate analgesia use must be encouraged, but analgesia does not necessarily have to be taken in the absence of pain. If healing is complete, the patient does not likely have a greatly increased risk of reinjury. Dislocations rarely cause bleeding after the healing process

A nurse is preparing to discharge an emergency department patient who has been fitted with a sling to support her arm after a clavicle fracture. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

Use the arm for light activities within the range of motion. A patient with a clavicle fracture may use a sling to support the arm and relieve the pain. The patient may be permitted to use the arm for light activities within the range of comfort. The patient should not elevate the arm above the shoulder level until the ends of the bones have united, but the nurse should encourage the patient to exercise the elbow, wrist, and fingers.

When the client who has experienced trauma to an extremity reports severe burning pain, vasomotor changes, and muscles spasms in the injured extremity, the nurse recognizes that the client is likely demonstrating signs of

complex regional pain syndrome. Explanation: Complex regional pain syndrome is frequently chronic and occurs most often in women. Avascular necrosis is manifested by pain and limited movement. Pain and decreased function are the prime indicators of reaction to an internal fixation device. Heterotrophic ossification causes muscular pain and limited muscular contraction and movement.

The type of fracture described as having one side of the bone broken and the other side bent would be:

greenstick A greenstick fracture is the type of fracture described as having one side of the bone broken and the other side bent. An oblique fracture occurs at an angle across the bone. A spiral fracture is a fracture that twists around the shaft of the bone. A transverse fracture is a fracture that is straight across the bone.

A fracture is considered pathologic when it

occurs through an area of diseased bone. Explanation: Pathologic fractures can occur without the trauma of a fall. An avulsion fracture results in a fragment of bone being pulled away by a ligament or tendon and its attachment. A greenstick fracture presents as one side of the bone being broken and the other side being bent. A compound fracture involves damage to the skin or mucous membranes.

A client has had surgical repair of a hip injury after joint manipulation was unsuccessful. After surgery, the nurse implements measures to prevent complications. Which complications is the nurse seeking to prevent? Select all that apply.

skin breakdown wound infection pneumonia After surgery, the nurse implements measures to prevent skin breakdown, wound infection, pneumonia, constipation, urinary retention, muscle atrophy, and contractures.

A client with a recent left above-the-knee amputation states, "I can feel pain in my left toes." Which is the best response by the nurse?

"Describe the pain and rate it on the pain scale." Explanation: The nurse should recognize phantom pain as real and complete a pain assessment as if the limb were attached. The client's pain should be address and treated appropriately. By telling the client that the toes have been amputated or the pain is really from the nerves in the upper leg, the nurse is negating the client's pain. Opioid pain medication can be effective with phantom pain.

A patient is being treated for a fractured hip and the nurse is aware of the need to implement interventions to prevent muscle wasting and other complications of immobility. What intervention best addresses the patients need for exercise?

Encouraging frequent use of the overbed trapeze The patient is encouraged to exercise as much as possible by means of the overbed trapeze. This device helps strengthen the arms and shoulders in preparation for protected ambulation. Independent logrolling may result in injury due to the location of the fracture. Leg lifts would be contraindicated for the same reason. Massage by the nurse is not a substitute for exercise.

A nurse is caring for a patient who had a right below-the-knee amputation (BKA). The nurse recognizes the importance of implementing measures that focus on preventing flexion contracture of the hip and maintaining proper positioning. Which of the following measures will best achieve these goals?

Encouraging the patient to turn from side to side and to assume a prone position The nurse encourages the patient to turn from side to side and to assume a prone position, if possible, to stretch the flexor muscles and to prevent flexion contracture of the hip. Postoperative ROM exercises are started early, because contracture deformities develop rapidly. ROM exercises include hip and knee exercises for patients with BKAs. The nurse also discourages sitting for prolonged periods of time

A patient has come to the orthopedic clinic for a follow-up appointment 6 weeks after fracturing his ankle. Diagnostic imaging reveals that bone union is not taking place. What factor may have contributed to this complication?

Inadequate immobilization Inadequate fracture immobilization can delay or prevent union. A short-term vitamin D deficiency would not likely prevent bone union. VTE is a serious complication but would not be a cause of nonunion. Similarly, bleeding would not likely delay union.

A 25-year-old man is involved in a motorcycle accident and injures his arm. The physician diagnoses the man with an intra-articular fracture and splints the injury. The nurse implements the teaching plan developed for this patient. What sequela of intra-articular fractures should the nurse describe regarding this patient?

Post-traumatic arthritis Intra-articular fractures often lead to post-traumatic arthritis. Research does not indicate a correlation between intra-articular fractures and FES, osteomyelitis, or compartment syndrome

The patient scheduled for a Syme amputation is concerned about the ability to eventually stand on the amputated extremity. How should the nurse best respond to the patients concern?

You will eventually be able to withstand full weight-bearing after the amputation. Syme amputation (modified ankle disarticulation amputation) is performed most frequently for extensive foot trauma and produces a painless, durable extremity end that can withstand full weight-bearing. Therefore, each of the other teaching statements is incorrect.

The surgical nurse is admitting a patient from postanesthetic recovery following the patients below-the- knee amputation. The nurse recognizes the patients high risk for postoperative hemorrhage and should keep which of the following at the bedside?

A tourniquet Immediate postoperative bleeding may develop slowly or may take the form of massive hemorrhage resulting from a loosened suture. A large tourniquet should be in plain sight at the patients bedside so that, if severe bleeding occurs, it can be applied to the residual limb to control the hemorrhage. PRBCs cannot be kept at the bedside. Vitamin K and protamine sulfate are antidotes to warfarin and heparin, but are not administered to treat active postsurgical bleeding.

When providing discharge teaching to a client with a fractured toe, the nurse should include which instruction?

Apply ice to the fracture site. Explanation: Applying ice to the injury site soon after an injury causes vasoconstriction, helping to relieve or prevent swelling and bleeding. Applying heat to the fracture site may increase swelling and bleeding. Ankle dorsiflexion has no therapeutic use after a toe fracture. It's unlikely the client would need crutches after a toe fracture.

A client comes to the clinic 2 days after sustaining a sprain to the left ankle. What intervention can the nurse encourage the client to perform that will help improve circulation?

Applying heat Explanation: After 2 days, when swelling is no longer likely to increase, applying heat reduces pain and relieves local edema by improving circulation. Full use of the injured joint is discouraged temporarily. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will ease discomfort but not improve circulation. Applying cold compresses is only used in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

An emergency department patient is diagnosed with a hip dislocation. The patients family is relieved that the patient has not suffered a hip fracture, but the nurse explains that this is still considered to be a medical emergency. What is the rationale for the nurses statement?

Avascular necrosis may develop at the site of the dislocation if it is not promptly resolved. If a dislocation or subluxation is not reduced immediately, avascular necrosis (AVN) may develop. Bone remodeling does not take place because a fracture has not occurred. Realignment does not become more difficult with time and pain would subside with time, not become worse.

The nurse is caring for a 24-year-old female client with a right tibial fracture treated with a cast 2 hours ago. The client now reports unrelenting pain, rated as 7/10, despite taking oxycodone, and decreased sensation in the right foot. A nursing assessment reveals the right foot is cooler and paler than the left foot, with delayed capillary refill and a weak pulse.

Based on the nursing assessment, the priority action the nurse should take is to notify the orthopedic health care provider immediately and prepare the client for bivalving of the cast Explanation: A client in a cast is at risk for compartment syndrome, a sudden and severe buildup of pressure in an enclosed space, that can lead to tissue ischemia and loss of limb, if not promptly treated. Clinical manifestations of compartment syndrome include loss of sensation, pale and cool skin, delayed capillary refill, weak pulses, and paresthesia in the affected limb as well as pain that is unrelieved by position change, ice, or increasing doses of analgesia. Because of the risk for permanent neurovascular impairment, the nurse needs to notify the health care provider immediately so that measures can be taken to relieve pressure within the cast. To relieve pressure within the confined right lower leg, the nurse should anticipate that the cast will need to be bivalved (cut in half longitudinally). If compartment syndrome is suspected, the nurse should not delay measures to relieve pressure within the confined space of the cast by administering an analgesic and waiting 30 minutes to determine the outcome. The nurse may elevate the right leg to reduce swelling, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should not prepare the client for discharge until after pressure has been relieved from the right lower leg. If pressure is not relieved through bivalving the cast, a fasciotomy may be needed to relieve pressure within the muscle compartment.

A patient sustains an open fracture with extensive soft tissue damage. The nurse determines that this fracture would be classified as what grade?

Grade III Explanation: Open fractures are graded according to the following criteria (Schaller, 2012): Grade I is a clean wound less than 1 cm long. Grade II is a larger wound without extensive soft tissue damage or avulsions. Grade III is highly contaminated and has extensive soft tissue damage. It may be accompanied by traumatic amputation and is the most severe.

Radiographs of a boys upper arm show that the humerus appears to be fractured on one side and slightly bent on the other. This diagnostic result suggests what type of fracture?

Greenstick Greenstick fractures are an incomplete fracture that results in the bone being broken on one side, while the other side is bent. This is not characteristic of an impacted, compound, or compression fracture.

Which term refers to a fracture in which one side of a bone is broken and the other side is bent?

Greenstick Explanation: A greenstick fracture is a fracture in which one side of a bone is broken and the other side is bent. A spiral fracture is a fracture twisting around the shaft of the bone. An avulsion is when a fragment of bone has been pulled away by a ligament or tendon and its attachment. An oblique is a fracture occurring at an angle across the bone.

While riding a bicycle on a narrow road, the patient was hit from behind and thrown into a ditch, sustaining a pelvic fracture. What complications does the nurse know to monitor for that are common to pelvic fractures?

Hemorrhage and shock Explanation: Hemorrhage and shock are two of the most serious consequences that may occur in a pelvic fracture.

A client reports pain in the right knee, stating, "My knee got twisted when I was going down the stairs." The client was diagnosed with an injury to the ligaments and tendons of the right knee. Which terminology, documented by the nurse, best reflects the injury?

Sprain Explanation: A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and tendons surrounding a joint, usually caused by a wrenching or twisting motion. Dislocation refers to the separation of joint surfaces. Subluxation refers to partial separation or dislocation of joint surfaces. Strain refers to a muscle pull or tear.

A client is treated in the emergency department for acute muscle strain in the left leg caused by trying a new exercise. During discharge preparation, the nurse should provide which instruction?

"Apply ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours, then apply heat packs." Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to apply ice packs to the injured area for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and then apply heat to increase comfort, promote reabsorption of blood and fluid, and speed healing. Applying ice for only 12 to 18 hours may not keep swelling from recurring. Applying heat for the first 24 to 48 hours would worsen, not ease, swelling. Applying ice 48 hours after the injury would be less effective because swelling already has occurred by that time.

A nurse in a busy emergency department provides care for many patients who present with contusions, strains, or sprains. Treatment modalities that are common to all of these musculoskeletal injuries include which of the following? Select all that apply.

Applying ice Compression dressings Resting the affected extremity Elevating the injured limb Treatment of contusions, strains, and sprains consists of resting and elevating the affected part, applying cold, and using a compression bandage. Massage and corticosteroids are not used to treat these injuries.

A patient sustained an open fracture of the femur 24 hours ago. While assessing the patient, the nurse observes the patient is having difficulty breathing, and oxygen saturation decreases to 88% from a previous 99%. What does the nurse understand is likely occurring with this patient?

Fat emboli Explanation: After fracture of long bones or pelvic bones, or crush injuries, fat emboli frequently form. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) occurs when fat emboli cause morbid clinical manifestations. The classic triad of clinical manifestations of FES include hypoxemia, neurologic compromise, and a petechial rash (NAON, 2007), although not all signs and symptoms manifest at the same time (Tzioupis & Giannoudis, 2011). The typical first manifestations are pulmonary and include hypoxia and tachypnea.

A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient from the emergency department after receiving treatment for an ankle sprain. While providing discharge education, the nurse should encourage which of the following?

Keep an elastic compression bandage on the ankle. Treatment of a sprain consists of resting and elevating the affected part, applying cold, and using a compression bandage. After the acute inflammatory stage (usually 24 to 48 hours after injury), heat may be applied intermittently. Rotation exercises would likely be painful.

A nurse is writing a care plan for a patient admitted to the emergency department (ED) with an open fracture. The nurse will assign priority to what nursing diagnosis for a patient with an open fracture of the radius?

Risk for Infection The patient has a significant risk for osteomyelitis and tetanus due to the fact that the fracture is open. Powerlessness and ineffective role performance are psychosocial diagnoses that may or may not apply, and which would be superseded by immediate physiologic threats such as infection. Surgical positioning injury is not plausible, since surgery is not likely indicated.

Which term refers to an injury to ligaments and other soft tissues surrounding a joint?

Sprain Explanation: A sprain is caused by a wrenching or twisting motion. Dislocation refers to the separation of joint surfaces. Subluxation refers to partial separation or dislocation of joint surfaces. Strain refers to a muscle pull or tear.

A client arrives in the emergency room complaining of severe pain in her left hip after falling out of the bed. What indication upon assessment does the nurse recognize as a dislocated left hip? Select all that apply.

The left leg is shorter than the right. Limited range of motion of the left hip. The skin of the lower left leg is pale. Explanation: The leg may be shorter than its unaffected counterpart as a result of the displacement of one of the articulating ones. ROM is limited. Evidence of soft tissue injury includes swelling, coolness (not heat), numbness, tingling, and pale or dusky color of the distal tissue. The client will not be able to bend the knee but will be able to move the toes.

A client with a fractured femur is admitted to the nursing unit. Which assessment finding requires follow up by the nurse? Select all that apply.

"I cannot seem to catch my breath." "I have a pins-and-needles sensation in my toes." Dorsoplantar weak and unequal bilaterally T 101.2 degrees F; HR 110; RR 28; pulse oximetry 90% Explanation: Fat embolism syndrome and compartment syndrome are complications of a fracture, especially of the long bones. Dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, and low pulse oximetry would be indicators of fat embolism syndrome. Paresthesia (pins-and-needles sensation), limited motion, and motor weakness would be indicators of compartment syndrome. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds is a normal finding.

An older adult patient has fallen in her home and is brought to the emergency department by ambulance with a suspected fractured hip. X-rays confirm a fracture of the left femoral neck. When planning assessments during the patients presurgical care, the nurse should be aware of the patients heightened risk of what complication?

Avascular necrosis Fractures of the neck of the femur may damage the vascular system that supplies blood to the head and the neck of the femur, and the bone may become ischemic. For this reason, AVN is common in patients with femoral neck fractures. Infections are not immediate complications and phantom pain applies to patients with amputations, not hip fractures.

A nurse is performing a shift assessment on an elderly patient who is recovering after surgery for a hip fracture. The nurse notes that the patient is complaining of chest pain, has an increased heart rate, and increased respiratory rate. The nurse further notes that the patient is febrile and hypoxic, coughing, and producing large amounts of thick, white sputum. The nurse recognizes that this is a medical emergency and calls for assistance, recognizing that this patient is likely demonstrating symptoms of what complication?

Fat embolism syndrome Fat embolism syndrome occurs most frequently in young adults and elderly patients who experience fractures of the proximal femur (i.e., hip fracture). Presenting features of fat embolism syndrome include hypoxia, tachypnea, tachycardia, and pyrexia. The respiratory distress response includes tachypnea, dyspnea, wheezes, precordial chest pain, cough, large amounts of thick, white sputum, and tachycardia. Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when the bone loses its blood supply and dies. This does not cause coughing. Complex regional pain syndrome does not have cardiopulmonary involvement

There are a variety of problems that can become complications after a fracture. Which is described as a condition that occurs from interruption of the blood supply to the fracture fragments after which the bone tissue dies, most commonly in the femoral head?

avascular necrosis Explanation: Avascular necrosis is described as a condition that occurs from interruption of the blood supply to the fracture fragments after which the bone tissue dies, most commonly in the femoral head.

A nurses assessment of a patients knee reveals edema, tenderness, muscle spasms, and ecchymosis. The patient states that 2 days ago he ran 10 miles and now it really hurts to stand up. The nurse should plan care based on the belief that the patient has experienced what?

A second-degree strain A second-degree strain involves tearing of muscle fibers and is manifested by notable loss of load- bearing strength with accompanying edema, tenderness, muscle spasm, and ecchymosis. A first-degree strain reflects tearing of a few muscle fibers and is accompanied by minor edema, tenderness, and mild muscle spasm, without noticeable loss of function. However, this patient states a loss of function. A sprain normally involves twisting, which is inconsistent with the patients overuse injury.

A young patient is being treated for a femoral fracture suffered in a snowboarding accident. The nurses most recent assessment reveals that the patient is uncharacteristically confused. What diagnostic test should be performed on this patient?

Arterial blood gases Subtle personality changes, restlessness, irritability, or confusion in a patient who has sustained a fracture are indications for immediate arterial blood gas studies due to the possibility of fat embolism syndrome. This assessment finding does not indicate an immediate need for electrolyte levels, an ECG, or abdominal ultrasound.

The primary nursing intervention that will control swelling while treating a musculoskeletal injury is:

Elevate the affected area. Explanation: Elevation is used to control swelling. It is facilitated by cold, immobilization, and compression. Refer to Box 42-1 in the text.

A patient is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after stepping in a hole and falling. While assessing him the nurse notes that his right leg is shorter than his left leg; his right hip is noticeably deformed and he is in acute pain. Imaging does not reveal a fracture. Which of the following is the most plausible explanation for this patients signs and symptoms?

Traumatic hip dislocation Signs and symptoms of a traumatic dislocation include acute pain, change in positioning of the joint, shortening of the extremity, deformity, and decreased mobility. A subluxation would cause moderate deformity, or possibly no deformity. A contusion or strain would not cause obvious deformities

A client is being discharged from the Emergency Department after being diagnosed with a sprained ankle. Which client statement indicates the client understands the discharge teaching?

"I'll make sure to keep my ankle elevated as much as possible." Explanation: Treatment consists of applying ice or a chemical cold pack to the area to reduce swelling and relieve pain for the first 24 to 48 hours. Elevation of the part and compression with an elastic bandage also may be recommended. After 2 days, when swelling no longer is likely to increase, applying heat reduces pain and relieves local edema by improving circulation. Full use of the injured joint is discouraged temporarily, not necessarily three to four weeks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically recommended; narcotic analgesics typically are not prescribed.

A client had an above-the-knee amputation of the left leg related to complications from peripheral vascular disease. The nurse enters the client's room and observes the dressing and bed covers saturated with blood. What is the first action by the nurse?

Apply a tourniquet. Explanation: Following an amputation, immediate postoperative bleeding may develop slowly or may take the form of massive hemorrhage resulting from a loosened suture. A large tourniquet should be in plain sight at the client's bedside so that if severe bleeding occurs, it can be applied to the residual limb to control the hemorrhage. The nurse immediately notifies the surgeon in the event of excessive bleeding.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has suffered a hip fracture and who will require an extended hospital stay. The nurse should ensure that the patient does which of the following in order to prevent common complications associated with a hip fracture?

Increase fluid intake and perform prescribed foot exercises. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is among the most common complications related to a hip fracture. To prevent DVT, the nurse encourages intake of fluids and ankle and foot exercises. The patient should not be told to endure pain; a proactive approach to pain control should be adopted. While respiratory complications commonly include atelectasis and pneumonia, the use of deep-breathing exercises, changes in position at least every 2 hours, and the use of incentive spirometry help prevent the respiratory complications more than using supplementary oxygen. Bed rest may be indicated in the short term, but is not normally required for 14 days.

A patient was fitted with an arm cast after fracturing her humerus. Twelve hours after the application of the cast, the patient tells the nurse that her arm hurts. Analgesics do not relieve the pain. What would be the most appropriate nursing action?

Prepare the patient for opening or bivalving of the cast. Acute compartment syndrome involves a sudden and severe decrease in blood flow to the tissues distal to an area of injury that results in ischemic necrosis if prompt, decisive intervention does not occur. Removing or bivalving the cast is necessary to relieve pressure. Ordering different analgesics does not address the underlying problem. Encouraging the patient to move the fingers or perform range-of-motion exercises will not treat or prevent compartment syndrome. Petaling the edges of a cast with tape prevents abrasions and skin breakdown, not compartment syndrome.

Which client(s) is most likely to have compartment syndrome after sustaining a fracture? Select all that apply.

The client with elevated pressure within the muscles The client with hemorrhage in the site of injury The client with a plaster cast applied immediately after injury Explanation: Compartment syndrome occurs in cases of fracture when the normal pressure of a compartment is altered by the force of the injury itself, by development of edema, or by hemorrhaging at the site of the injury, which increases the contents of the compartment, or from outside pressure caused by constriction from a dressing or cast. A client with elevated muscle pressure is at risk for compartment syndrome. The application of a plaster cast immediately after the injury places the client at risk for compartment syndrome because the cast will not allow for edema and therefore will compress the tissue. Clavicle fractures are not a risk factor for compartment syndrome because of the location of the fracture. Ice will assist in decreasing edema and may help prevent compartment syndrome.

After surgery to treat a hip fracture, a client returns from the postanesthesia care unit to the medical-surgical unit. Postoperatively, how should the nurse position the client?

With the leg on the affected side abducted Explanation: The nurse must keep the leg on the affected side abducted at all times after hip surgery to prevent accidental dislodgment of the affected hip joint. Placing a pillow or an A-frame between the legs helps maintain abduction and reminds the client not to cross the legs. The nurse should avoid acutely flexing the client's affected hip (for example, by elevating the head of the bed excessively), adducting the leg on the affected side (such as by moving it toward the midline), or externally rotating the affected hip (such as by removing support along the outer side of the leg) because these positions may cause dislocation of the injured hip joint.

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with a closed-reduction extremity fracture?

Encourage participation in ADLs Explanation: General nursing measures for a client with a fracture reduction include administering analgesics, providing comfort measures, encouraging participation with ADLs, promoting physical mobility, preventing infection, maintaining skin integrity, and preparing the client for self-care. Omega-3 fatty acids have no implications on the diet of a client with a fracture reduction. Dependent positioning may increase edema because the extremity is below the level of the heart. While some pain medications may contribute to constipation, this intervention would be reserved for a client experiencing constipation and not as a preventative measure.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has suffered an unstable thoracolumbar fracture. Which of the following is the priority during nursing care?

Maintaining spinal alignment Patients with an unstable fracture must have their spine in alignment at all times in order to prevent neurologic damage. This is a greater threat, and higher priority, than promoting function and preventing infection, even though these are both valid considerations. Increased ICP is not a high risk.

A rehabilitation nurse is working with a patient who has had a below-the-knee amputation. The nurse knows the importance of the patients active participation in self-care. In order to determine the patients ability to be an active participant in self-care, the nurse should prioritize assessment of what variable?

The patients attitude Amputation of an extremity affects the patients ability to provide adequate self-care. The patient is encouraged to be an active participant in self-care. The patient and the nurse need to maintain positive attitudes and to minimize fatigue and frustration during the learning process. Balanced nutrition and the patients learning style are important variables in the rehabilitation process but the patients attitude is among the most salient variables. The patients presurgical level of function may or may not affect participation in rehabilitation.