Mobility

How do you treat compartment syndrome?

- Placing limb at heart level - Removing constricting forces - Monitoring neuro status - Monitoring compartment pressures - Performing emergency fasciotomy

What are some nursing interventions for a patient with a cast?

- Support cast with non-plastic covered pillows - Handle wet casts only with palms - Leave wet casts open to air to facilitate drying - Observe for skin irritation near cast edges, check for foul odors and discharge - Tell pt. to immediately report signs of impaired circulation - Perform frequent neuro checks

Which client's fracture will need the shortest healing time? 1) 9-year-old client with a simple wrist fracture 2) 25-year-old with a compound fracture of ankle 3) 39-year-old with diabetes mellitus and rib fractures 4) 64-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis and a hip fracture

1) 9-year-old client with a simple wrist fracture

The RICE acronym is helpful for remembering treatment interventions for musculoskeletal injuries. Which of the following are components of the RICE acronym? Select all that apply. 1) Rest 2) Compression 3) Edema 4) Elevation 5) Corticosteroids 6) Ice 7) Relaxation

1) Rest 2) Compression 4) Elevation 6) Ice

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? 1) Gastrointestinal bleeding 2) Compartment syndrome 3) Carpal tunnel syndrome 4) Ganglion cysts

2) Compartment syndrome

A client has sustained a long bone fracture and the nurse is preparing the client's care plan. Which of the following should the nurse include in the care plan? 1) Administer vitamin D and calcium supplements as prescribed. 2) Monitor temperature and pulses of the affected extremity. 3) Perform passive range of motion exercises as tolerated. 4) Administer corticosteroids as prescribed.

2) Monitor temperature and pulses of the affected extremity.

A patient stepped on an acorn while walking barefoot in the backyard and developed an infection progressing to osteomyelitis. What microorganism does the nurse understand is most often the cause of the development of osteomyelitis? 1) Proteus 2) Pseudomonas 3) Salmonella 4) Staphylococcus aureus

4) Staphylococcus aureus

What is the pathophysiology behind bone fractures?

- Force to bone disrupts integrity - Periosteum and blood vessels are disrupted - Hematoma forms - Granulation tissue replaces hematoma - Inflammatory response initiated - Osteoblasts form - Osteocytes remodel bone

When do you use RICE?

Should be used for minor injuries such as mild sprains and strains Use for 2-3 days

What is compartment syndrome caused by?

- Crush injuries - Burns - Bites - Fractures requiring casts/dressings

What are symptoms of compartment syndrome?

- Increased pain - Decreased touch sensation - Increased weakness of affected part - Increased pallor and swelling - Decreased pulse and capillary refill time

Where does compartment syndrome most commonly occur?

- Lower arm - Hand - Lower leg - Foot

What are some findings that indicate there are complications with a bone fracture?

- signs/symptoms of compartment syndrome - extreme pain - deformity - discoloration/swelling - loss of limb function - obvious skin wound

What does RICE stand for?

rest, ice, compression, elevation

What is compartment syndrome?

Pressure within muscle compartment resulting from edema Bleeding increases to point of interfering with circulation