Chapter 62: Musculoskeletal Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery

A patient who had a long leg cast applied this morning asks to crutch walk before dinner. Which statement explains why the nurse will decline the patient's request?

"Excess edema and complications are prevented when the leg is elevated for 24 hours." Rationale: For the first 24 hours after a lower extremity cast is applied, the leg should be elevated on pillows above heart level to avoid excessive edema and compartment syndrome. RICE is used for soft tissue injuries, not with long leg casts.

A 21-yr-old soccer player has injured the anterior crucial ligament (ACL) and is having reconstructive surgery. Which patient statement indicates more teaching is required?

"I can't wait to get this done now so I can play in the soccer tournament next month." Rationale: The patient does not understand the severity of ACL reconstructive surgery if planning to resume playing soccer soon; safe return will not occur for 6 to 8 months. A physical therapist will oversee initial range of motion, immobilization, and progressive weight bearing.

Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of Buck's traction for a patient who has an intracapsular fracture of the right femur?

a. Assess for hip pain. Buck's traction is used to reduce painful muscle spasm. Hip contractures and dislocation are unlikely to occur in this situation. The peripheral pulses will be assessed, but this does not help in evaluating the effectiveness of Buck's traction.

A patient undergoes left above-the-knee amputation with an immediate prosthetic fitting. What should the nurse do when the patient arrives on the orthopedic unit after surgery?

a. Assess the surgical site for hemorrhage. The nurse should monitor for postoperative hemorrhage. The prosthesis will not be removed. To avoid flexion contracture of the hip, the leg will not be elevated on a pillow. Unless contraindicated, the patient will be placed in a prone position for 30 minutes several times a day to prevent hip flexion contracture.

What should the occupational health nurse advise a patient whose job involves many hours of typing?

a. Obtain a keyboard pad to support the wrist. Repetitive strain injuries caused by prolonged work at a keyboard can be prevented by using a pad to keep the wrists in a straight position. Stretching exercises during the day may be helpful, but these would not be needed before starting work. Use of a compression bandage is not needed, although a splint may be used for carpal tunnel syndrome. NSAIDs are appropriate to decrease swelling.

Which statement by a patient who has had an above-the-knee amputation indicates the nurse's discharge teaching has been effective?

b. "I should lie flat on my abdomen for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day." The patient lies in the prone position several times daily to prevent flexion contractures of the hip. The limb sock should be changed daily. Lotion should not be used on the stump. The residual limb should not be elevated because this would encourage hip flexion contracture

A patient with a complex pelvic fracture from a motor vehicle crash is on bed rest. Which assessment finding should indicate to the nurse a potential complication of the fracture?

c. Abdomen is distended, and bowel sounds are absent. The abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds may be due to complications of pelvic fractures such as paralytic ileus or hemorrhage or trauma to the bladder, urethra, or colon. Pelvic instability, abdominal pain with palpation, and abdominal bruising would be expected with this type of injury.

Which finding in a patient with a Colles' fracture of the left wrist should the nurse identify as most important to communicate immediately to the health care provider?

c. Capillary refill to the fingers is slow. Swelling, pain, and deformity are common findings with a Colles' fracture. Prolonged capillary refill indicates decreased circulation and risk for ischemia. This is not an expected finding and should be immediately reported

. Based on the information in the accompanying figure obtained for a patient in the emergency room, which action should the nurse take first? History: 23 yr. old / Right lower leg injury Physical Assessment: Reports severe right lower leg pain, feeling shortness of breath. Bone protruding from RLL Diagnostics: CBC: WBC 9400 ul, Hgb 11.6 g/dL, right leg x-ray, right tibial fracture

c. Check the patient's O2 saturation using pulse oximetry. Because fat embolism can occur with tibial fracture, the nurse's first action should be to check the patient's O2 saturation. The other actions are also appropriate but not as important at this time as obtaining the patient's O2 saturation.

A patient is being discharged 4 days after hip arthroplasty using the posterior approach. Which patient action requires intervention by the nurse?

c. Leaning over to pull on shoes and socks Leaning over would flex the hip at greater than 90 degrees and predispose the patient to hip dislocation. The other patient actions are appropriate and do not require any immediate action by the nurse to protect the patient.

. A patient is admitted to the emergency department with a left femur fracture. Which assessment finding by the nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?

c. Slow capillary refill of the left foot Prolonged capillary refill may indicate complications such as compartment syndrome. The other findings are typical with a left femur fracture.

When a patient arrives in the emergency department with a facial fracture, which action should the nurse take first?

c. Use a cervical collar to stabilize the spine. Patients who have facial fractures are at risk for cervical spine injury and should be treated as if they have a cervical spine injury until this is ruled out. The other actions are also necessary, but the most important action is to prevent cervical spine injury.

A factory line worker has repetitive strain syndrome in the left elbow. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

d. Modifying arm movements Treatment for repetitive strain syndrome includes changing the ergonomics of the activity. Elbow injections and surgery are not initial options for this type of injury. A wrist splint might be used for hand or wrist pain.

A patient has possible right carpal tunnel syndrome. What symptom should the nurse expect with a positive Tinel's sign?

d. Tingling in the right thumb and index finger Testing for Tinel's sign will cause tingling in the thumb and first three fingers of the affected hand in patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve does not innervate the right little finger or elbow and forearm. Tremor is not associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

A patient presents to the clinical after tripping on a curb and spraining the right ankle. Which initial care measures are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Administer antiinflammatory medication. Compress ankle using an elastic bandage. Rest and elevate the ankle above the heart. Rationale: Appropriate care for a sprain is represented with the acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Antiinflammatory medication should be used to decrease swelling if not contraindicated for the patient. After the injury, the ankle should be immobilized and rested. Prolonged immobilization is not required unless there is significant injury. Ice is indicated but will cause tissue damage if applied directly to the skin. Apply ice to sprains as soon as possible and leave in place for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Moist heat may be applied 24 to 48 hours after the injury.

The patient with frostbite on the distal toes of both feet is scheduled for amputation of the damaged tissue. Which assessment finding or diagnostic study is most objective in determining tissue viability?

Arteriogram showing blood vessels Rationale: Arteriography determines viable tissue for salvage based on blood flow observed in real time and is considered the gold standard for evaluating arterial perfusion. Only arteriography determines where tissue perfusion stops, and amputation needs to occur. Bilateral peripheral pulse assessment and areas of black, indurated, cold, and pale skin indicate ischemia.

The nurse completes an admission history for a 73-yr-old man with osteoarthritis scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. Which response is expected when asking the patient the reason for admission?

Debilitating joint pain Rationale: The most common reason for knee arthroplasty is debilitating joint pain despite exercise, weight management, and drug therapy. Recent knee trauma, repeated knee infections, and onset of frozen knee joint are not primary indicators for a knee arthroplasty.

A patient has a plaster cast applied to the right arm for a Colles' fracture. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Elevate the right arm on 2 pillows for 24 hours. Rationale: The casted extremity should be elevated at or above heart level for 24 hours to reduce swelling or inflammation. The cast should be supported on pillows during the drying period to prevent denting and flattening of the cast. Ice (not heat) should be applied for the first 24 to 36 hours to reduce swelling or inflammation. Active movement of the thumb and fingers should be encouraged to reduce edema and increase venous return. A sling may be used to support and protect the extremity after the cast is completely dry, but the patient should perform active movements of the shoulder to prevent stiffness or contracture.

The nurse determines that an older adult patient recovering from left total knee arthroplasty has impaired physical mobility from decreased muscle strength. What nursing intervention is appropriate?

Encourage isometric quadriceps-setting exercises at least 4 times a day . Rationale: Emphasis is placed on postoperative exercise of the affected leg, with isometric quadriceps setting beginning on the first day after surgery. Vitamin C and calcium do not improve muscle strength, but they will facilitate healing. The patient should be able to perform active range of motion to all joints. Keeping the leg in one position (extension and abduction) may contribute to contractures.

A patient underwent amputation below the knee on the left leg after a traumatic accident. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Lie prone with hip extended for 30 minutes 4 times per day. Rationale: To prevent hip flexion contractures, the patient should lie on the abdomen for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times each day and position the hip in extension while prone. The patient should avoid sitting in a chair for more than 1 hour with hips flexed or having pillows under the surgical extremity. The patient should avoid dangling the residual limb over the bedside to minimize edema.

After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

b. Patient with repaired right femoral shaft fracture who reports tightness in the calf Calf swelling after a femoral shaft fracture suggests possible DVT or compartment syndrome. The nurse should assess the patient rapidly and then notify the health care provider. The other patients have symptoms that are typical for their injuries but do not require immediate intervention.

Which information about a patient with a lumbar vertebral compression fracture should the nurse immediately report to the health care provider?

b. Patient has been incontinent of urine and stool. Changes in bowel or bladder function indicate possible spinal cord compression and should be reported immediately because surgical intervention may be needed. The other findings are also pertinent but are consistent with the patient's diagnosis and do not require immediate intervention.

The patient brought to the emergency department after a car accident is diagnosed with a femur fracture. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement at this time to decrease risk of a fat embolus?

Immobilize the fracture preoperatively. Rationale: The nurse immobilizes the long bone to reduce movement of the fractured bone ends and decrease the risk of a fat embolus development before surgical reduction. Enoxaparin is used to prevent blood clots, not fat emboli. Range of motion and compression boots will not prevent a fat embolus in this patient.

The nurse is caring for a patient with osteoarthritis scheduled for total left knee arthroplasty. Preoperatively, the nurse assesses for which contraindication to surgery?

Left knee infection Rationale: The patient must be free of infection before total knee arthroplasty. An infection in the joint could lead to even greater pain and joint instability, requiring more extensive surgery. The nurse must assess the patient for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. Pain, knee stiffness, or instability are typical of osteoarthritis.

A patient who arrives at the emergency department with severe left knee pain is diagnosed with a patellar dislocation. What should be the nurse's initial focus for patient teaching?

b. Monitored anesthesia care The first goal of interprofessional management is realignment of the knee to its original anatomic position, which will require anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care, formerly called conscious sedation. Immobilization, gentle range-of-motion exercises, and discussion about activity restrictions will be implemented after the patella is realigned.

The home care nurse visits a 74-yr-old man diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who fell while walking this morning. What observation is of most concern to the nurse?

Left leg externally rotated and shorter than the right leg Rationale: Manifestations of hip fracture include external rotation, muscle spasm, shortening of the affected extremity, and severe pain and tenderness in the region of the fracture site. Expected clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease include a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and slow movements. An abrasion is a soft tissue injury. Mild pain and minimal swelling may occur with a sprain or strain.

A nurse performs discharge teaching for a patient after a left hip arthroplasty using the posterior approach. Which statement indicates teaching is successful?

Leg-raising exercises are necessary for several months." Rationale: Exercises designed to restore strength and muscle tone will be done for months after surgery. The exercises include leg raises in supine and prone positions. Driving a car is not allowed for 4 to 6 weeks. In the posterior approach hip arthroplasties, extremes of internal rotation and 90-degree flexion of the hip must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. The knees must be kept apart. The patient should never cross the legs or twist to reach behind. To prevent thromboembolism, enoxaparin is administered subcutaneously and can be given at home. Enoxaparin does not require monitoring of the patient's coagulation status.

The nurse is completing discharge teaching with a patient who is recovering from a right total hip arthroplasty by posterior approach. Which patient action indicates further instruction is needed?

Maintains hip in adduction and internal rotation. Rationale: The patient should not force hip into adduction or internal rotation because these movements could dislocate the hip prosthesis. Sitting with feet flat on the floor (avoiding crossing the legs), using an elevated toilet seat, and notifying future caregivers about the prosthesis indicate understanding of discharge teaching.

The nurse is caring for a patient placed in Buck's traction before open reduction and internal fixation of a left hip fracture. Which care can be delegated to the LPN/VN?

Monitor pain intensity and administer prescribed analgesics. Rationale: The LPN/VN can monitor pain intensity and administer analgesics. Assessment of skin integrity and determining correct alignment to enhance traction are within the RN scope of practice. Removing weights from the traction should not be delegated or done. Removal of weights can cause muscle spasms and bone misalignment and should not be delegated or done.

A patient with a fracture of the proximal left tibia in a long leg cast reports of severe pain and a prickling sensation in the left foot. The toes on the left foot are pale and cool. Which nursing action is a priority?

Notify the health care provider immediately. Rationale: Notify the health care provider immediately of this change in patient's condition, which suggests development of compartment syndrome. Pain unrelieved by drugs and out of proportion to the level of injury is one of the first indications of impending compartment syndrome. Changes in sensation (tingling) also suggest compartment syndrome. Because elevation of the extremity may lower venous pressure and slow arterial perfusion, the extremity should not be elevated above heart level. Similarly, the application of cold compresses may result in vasoconstriction and exacerbate compartment syndrome. Administration of morphine may be warranted, but it is not the first priority.

The nurse is caring for a patient who had a left total knee arthroplasty to relieve the pain of severe osteoarthritis. What care would be expected postoperatively?

Progressive leg exercises to obtain 90-degree flexion Rationale: The patient is encouraged to engage in progressive leg exercises until 90-degree flexion is possible; continuous passive motion also may be used based on surgeon preference. Early ambulation is implemented, sometimes the day of surgery, but orders are likely to indicate weight bearing as tolerated rather than full weight bearing. Immobilization and bed rest are not indicated. The patient's knee is unlikely to dislocate.

An injured soldier underwent left leg amputation 2 weeks ago, but now reports shooting pain and heaviness in the left leg. What action by the nurse is supported by research findings?

Use mirror therapy. Rationale: Mirror therapy has been shown to reduce phantom limb pain in some patients. Opioid analgesics, rebandaging the residual limb, and showing the patient that the leg is gone may not decrease phantom limb pain.

A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which statement should the nurse including in discharge teaching?

a. "Check and clean the pin insertion sites daily." Pin insertion sites should be cleaned daily to decrease risk for infection at the site. An external fixator allows the patient to be out of bed and avoid the risks of prolonged immobility. The device is surgically placed and is not removed until the bone is stable. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely given during external fixator use.

A patient who has had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a hip fracture tells the nurse he is ready to get out of bed for the first time. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Check the patient's prescribed weight-bearing status. The nurse should be familiar with the weight-bearing orders for the patient before attempting the transfer. Mechanical lifts are not typically needed after this surgery. Pain medications should be given because the movement is likely to be painful for the patient. The registered nurse (RN) should supervise the patient during the initial transfer to evaluate how well the patient is able to accomplish the transfer.

A patient who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of left lower leg fractures continues to report severe pain in the leg 15 minutes after receiving the prescribed IV morphine. The nurse determines pulses are faintly palpable and the foot is cool to the touch. Which action should the nurse take next?

a. Notify the health care provider. The patient's clinical manifestations suggest compartment syndrome and delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to severe functional impairment. The data do not suggest problems with blood pressure or infection. Elevation of the leg will decrease arterial flow and further reduce perfusion.

For a patient who has had right hip arthroplasty, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

a. Reposition the patient every 1 to 2 hours. Repositioning of orthopedic patients is within the scope of practice of UAP after they have been trained and evaluated in this skill. The other actions should be done by licensed nursing staff members

A tennis player has an arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff injury performed in same-day surgery. Which information will the nurse include in postoperative teaching?

b. "You will begin work with a physical therapist tomorrow." Physical therapy after a rotator cuff repair begins on the first postoperative day to prevent "frozen shoulder." A shoulder immobilizer is used immediately after the surgery, but leaving the arm immobilized for several days would lead to loss of range of motion. The drop arm test is used to test for rotator cuff injury but not after surgery. The patient may be able to return to tennis after rehabilitation

After being hospitalized for 3 days with a right femur fracture, a patient suddenly develops shortness of breath and tachypnea. The patient tells the nurse, "I feel like I am going to die!" Which action should the nurse take first?

b. Administer prescribed PRN O2 at 4 L/min The patient's clinical manifestations and history are consistent with a pulmonary embolism, and the nurse's first action should be to ensure adequate oxygenation. The nurse should offer reassurance to the patient but meeting the physiologic need for O2 is a higher priority. The health care provider should be notified after the O2 is started and pulse oximetry obtained concerning suspected fat embolism or venous thromboembolism

The day after a having a right below-the-knee amputation, a patient reports pain in the missing right foot. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

b. Administer prescribed analgesics. Acute phantom limb sensation is treated as any other type of postoperative pain would be treated. Explanations of the reason for the pain may be given, but the nurse should still medicate the patient. Alignment is important but is unlikely to relieve the pain. Although the pain may decrease over time, it currently requires treatment.

Before assisting a patient with ambulation 2 days after total hip arthroplasty, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

b. Administer prescribed pain medication. The patient should be adequately medicated for pain before any attempt to ambulate. Instructions about the benefits of ambulation may increase the patient's willingness to ambulate but decreasing pain with ambulation is more important. The presence of an incisional drain or timing of dressing change will not affect ambulation.

Which action should the urgent care nurse take for a patient with a possible knee meniscus injury?

b. Apply an immobilizer to the affected leg. A knee immobilizer may be used for several days after a meniscus injury to stabilize the knee and minimize pain. Patients are encouraged to ambulate with crutches. The knee is assessed by flexing, internally rotating, and extending the knee (McMurray's test). The pain associated with a meniscus injury will not typically require IV opioid administration. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for pain management.

The nurse should instruct a patient with a nondisplaced fractured left radius that the cast will need to remain in place for what amount of time?

b. At least six weeks Bone healing starts immediately after the injury, but because ossification does not begin until 3 weeks after injury, the cast will need to be worn for at least 3 weeks. Complete union may take up to 1 year. Resolution of swelling does not indicate bone healing.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is using Buck's traction after a hip fracture. Which action can the nurse delegate to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

b. Ensure the weight for the traction is hanging freely UAP can be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the traction after it has been established. The RN should assess the extremity and assure manual traction is maintained if the traction device has to be removed and reapplied. Assessment of skin integrity and circulation should be done by the registered nurse (RN).

Which information should the nurse include in discharge teaching for a patient who has had a repair of a fractured mandible?

b. How and when to cut the immobilizing wires The jaw will be wired for stabilization, and the patient should know what emergency situations require the wires to be cut to protect the airway. There are no dressing changes for this procedure. The diet is liquid, and patients are not able to chew high-fiber foods. Initially, the patient may receive nasogastric tube feedings, but by discharge, the patient will swallow liquid through a straw.

A 60-yr-old patient had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for an open, displaced tibial fracture, What should the nurse identify as the priority patient problem?

b. Risk for infection A patient having ORIF is at risk for problems such as wound infection and osteomyelitis. After ORIF, patients typically are mobilized starting the first postoperative day, so the problems caused by immobility are not as likely. Pain management is important, but the most important action is to prevent infection.

A patient who is to have no weight bearing on the left leg is learning to use crutches. Which observation by the nurse indicates the patient can safely ambulate independently?

b. The patient advances the left leg and both crutches together and then advances the right leg Patients are usually taught to move the crutches and the injured leg forward at the same time and then to move the unaffected leg. If the 2- or 4-point gait is to be used, the crutch and leg on opposite sides move forward, not the crutch and same-side leg. Patients are discouraged from using furniture to assist with ambulation. The patient is taught to place weight on the hands, not in the axilla, to avoid brachial plexus damage.

Which patient statement indicates understanding of the nurse's teaching about a new short-arm synthetic cast?

c. "I will apply an ice pack to the cast over the fracture site off and on for 24 hours." Ice application for the first 24 hours after a fracture will help reduce swelling and can be placed over the cast. The cast is typically removed in the outpatient setting. The patient should be encouraged to move the joints above and below the cast. Patients should not insert objects inside the cast.

A high school teacher with ulnar drift caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is scheduled for arthroplasty of several joints in the left hand. Which patient statement to the nurse indicates a realistic expectation for the surgery?

c. "I will be able to use my fingers with more flexibility to grasp things." The goal of hand surgery in RA is to restore function, not to correct for cosmetic deformity or treat the underlying process. Hand exercises will be prescribed after the surgery.

After the health care provider recommends amputation for a patient who has nonhealing ischemic foot ulcers, the patient tells the nurse that he would rather die than have an amputation. Which response by the nurse is best?

c. "Tell me what you know about your options for treatment." The initial nursing action should be to assess the patient's knowledge and feelings about the available options. Discussion of the patient's option to refuse the procedure, seriousness of the condition, or rehabilitation after the procedure may be appropriate after the nurse knows more about the patient's current knowledge and emotional state.

After a motorcycle accident, a patient arrives in the emergency department with severe swelling of the left lower leg. Which action should the nurse take first?

c. Assess leg pulses and sensation. The initial action by the nurse will be to assess circulation to the leg and observe for any evidence of injury such as fractures or dislocations. After the initial assessment, the other actions may be appropriate based on what is observed during the assessment.

In which order should the nurse complete actions when caring for a patient in the emergency department who has a right leg fracture?

c. Assess lung sounds. d. Take blood pressure. b. Check pedal pulses. e. Apply splint to the leg. a. Obtain x-rays. f. Administer tetanus prophylaxis. The initial actions should be to ensure adequate airway, breathing, and circulation. This should be followed by checking the neurovascular condition of the leg (before and after splint application). Application of a splint to immobilize the leg should be done before sending the patient for x-ray examination. The tetanus prophylaxis is the least urgent of the actions.

The second day after admission with a fractured pelvis, a patient suddenly develops confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?

c. Assess patient orientation. The patient's history and clinical manifestations suggest a fat embolism. The most important assessment is oxygenation. The other actions are also appropriate but will be done after the nurse assesses O2 saturation.

A patient who slipped and fell in the shower at home has a proximal left humerus fracture immobilized with a sling. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

c. Assess the left axilla and change absorbent dressings as needed. The axilla can become excoriated when a sling is used to support the arm, and the nurse should check the axilla and apply absorbent dressings to prevent this. A patient with a sling would not have traction applied by hanging. The patient will be encouraged to move the fingers on the injured arm to maintain function and to help decrease swelling. The patient will do active ROM on the uninjured side.

A pedestrian who was hit by a car is admitted to the emergency department with possible right lower leg fractures. What initial action should the nurse take?

c. Assess the pedal pulses. The initial nursing action should be assessment of the neurovascular condition of the injured leg. After assessment, the nurse may need to splint and elevate the leg based on the assessment data. Information about tetanus immunizations should be obtained if there is an open wound.

What should the nurse include when teaching older adults at a community recreation center about ways to prevent fractures?

c. Buy shoes that provide good support and are comfortable to wear. Comfortable shoes with good support will help decrease the risk for falls. Scatter rugs should be eliminated, not just tacked down. Activities of daily living provide range-of-motion exercise; these do not need to be taught by a physical therapist. Falls inside the home are responsible for many injuries.

Which information should the nurse include in discharge instructions for a patient with comminuted left forearm fractures and a long-arm cast?

c. Call the health care provider for numbness of the hand Increased swelling or numbness may indicate increased pressure at the injury, and the health care provider should be notified immediately to avoid damage to nerves and other tissues. The patient should be encouraged to move the joints above and below the cast to avoid stiffness. There is no need to elevate the shoulder, although the forearm should be elevated to reduce swelling. NSAIDs are appropriate to treat mild to moderate pain after a fracture.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a pelvic fracture and an external fixation device. How should the nurse perform assessment of pressure areas and provide skin care to the patient's back and sacrum?

c. Have the patient lift the back and buttocks using a trapeze. The patient can lift the back slightly off the bed by using a trapeze. The patient may find it very difficult to turn to the side without assistance while in a fixator device. Delaying assessment and skin care may put the patient at risk for an undetected pressure injury. Pushing on the patient's hips may cause additional injury.

A patient arrived at the emergency department after tripping over a rug and falling at home. Which finding should the nurse identify as most important to communicate to the health care provider?

c. The right arm appears shorter than the left. A shorter limb after a fall indicates a possible dislocation, which is an orthopedic emergency. Bruising, pain, and decreased range of motion should also be reported, but these do not indicate emergent treatment is needed to preserve function.

Which discharge instruction should the emergency department nurse include for a patient with a sprained ankle?

c. Use pillows to elevate the ankle above the heart. Elevation of the leg will reduce swelling and pain. Compression bandages are used to decrease swelling. For the first 24 to 48 hours, cold packs are used to reduce swelling. The ankle should be rested and kept immobile to prevent further swelling or injury.

A patient is to be discharged from the hospital 4 days after insertion of a femoral head prosthesis using a posterior approach. Which patient statement to the nurse indicates that additional teaching is needed?

d. "I can sleep in any position that is comfortable for me." The patient needs to sleep in a position that prevents excessive internal rotation or flexion of the hip. The other patient statements indicate the patient has understood the teaching.

Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who had a cemented right total knee arthroplasty?

d. Start progressive knee exercises to obtain 90-degree flexion. After knee arthroplasty, active or passive flexion exercises are used to obtain a 90-degree flexion of the knee. The goal for extension of the knee will be 180 degrees. A compression bandage is used to hold the knee in an extended position after surgery. Protected weight bearing is typically not ordered after this procedure.

A young adult arrives in the emergency department with ankle swelling and severe pain after twisting an ankle playing basketball. Which prescribed action will the nurse implement first?

d. Wrap the ankle and apply an ice pack. Immediate care after a sprain or strain injury includes application of cold and use of compression to minimize swelling. The other actions should be taken after the ankle is wrapped with a compression bandage and ice is applied.