Module 2 Study Guide
MUSCULOSKELETAL
FRACTURES
● Fracture is a disruption or break in the continuity of the bone structure.
● Traumatic injuries account for the majority of fractures.
● Fractures can be classified as displaced (open) or nondisplaced (closed) depending on communication or noncommunication with the external environment.
● Signs include immediate localized pain, decreased function, and inability to bear weight or use affected part. Obvious bone deformity may be present.
● Bone goes through eight stages of selfhealing (union). Many factors, such as age, blood supply, infection, hormones, immobilization, and site of the fracture influence union.
● The goals of fracture treatment are anatomic realignment of bone fragments, immobilization to maintain realignment, and restoration of function. o Closed reduction is the nonsurgical, manual realignment of bone. Treatment following realignment includes traction, casts, splints, and braces. o Open reduction is the correction of bone alignment through surgery. It may involve the use of materials such as wires, screws, or pins placed internally or externally. o A number of types of traction are used to immobilize fractures.
● Fracture immobilization may be accomplished using a cast. The cast usually restricts the joints above and below the fracture. Patients require teaching about the signs of cast complications so that they can be taken care of promptly. o Sugartong splints, posterior splint, and short and longarm casts are used on upper extremities. o A body jacket cast is often used for stable thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. o A hip spica cast is used for treatment of femoral fractures. o Lower extremity injuries are often immobilized by cylinder, long or shortleg casts, Jones dressings, or splints/immobilizers.
● Fractures require nursing assessments of the peripheral vasculature (color, temperature, capillary refill, peripheral pulses, and edema) and neurologic systems (sensation, motor
FRACTURES
● Fracture is a disruption or break in the continuity of the bone structure.
● Traumatic injuries account for the majority of fractures.
● Fractures can be classified as displaced (open) or nondisplaced (closed) depending on communication or noncommunication with the external environment.
● Signs include immediate localized pain, decreased function, and inability to bear weight or use affected part. Obvious bone deformity may be present.
● Bone goes through eight stages of selfhealing (union). Many factors, such as age, blood supply, infection, hormones, immobilization, and site of the fracture influence union.
● The goals of fracture treatment are anatomic realignment of bone fragments, immobilization to maintain realignment, and restoration of function. o Closed reduction is the nonsurgical, manual realignment of bone. Treatment following realignment includes traction, casts, splints, and braces. o Open reduction is the correction of bone alignment through surgery. It may involve the use of materials such as wires, screws, or pins placed internally or externally. o A number of types of traction are used to immobilize fractures.
● Fracture immobilization may be accomplished using a cast. The cast usually restricts the joints above and below the fracture. Patients require teaching about the signs of cast complications so that they can be taken care of promptly. o Sugartong splints, posterior splint, and short and longarm casts are used on upper extremities. o A body jacket cast is often used for stable thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. o A hip spica cast is used for treatment of femoral fractures. o Lower extremity injuries are often immobilized by cylinder, long or shortleg casts, Jones dressings, or splints/immobilizers.
● Fractures require nursing assessments of the peripheral vasculature (color, temperature, capillary refill, peripheral pulses, and edema) and neurologic systems (sensation, motor