Orthopedic Nursing 2026 Fracture Care Strategies

1. A patient presents with a suspected fracture. Which is the priority nursing action? A. Apply heat to the area B. Assess neurovascular status C. Encourage movement D. Massage the limb Correct Answer: B. Assess neurovascular status Rationale: Neurovascular assessment is essential to detect compromised circulation or nerve damage. 2. Which finding indicates impaired circulation after a fracture? A. Warm skin and brisk capillary refill B. Pale, cool extremity with delayed capillary refill C. Mild swelling D. Controlled pain Correct Answer: B. Pale, cool extremity with delayed capillary refill Rationale: These are signs of compromised blood flow. 3. Which complication is most concerning after long bone fracture? A. Fatigue B. Fat embolism C. Headache D. Mild swelling Correct Answer: B. Fat embolism Rationale: Fat embolism can be life-threatening after long bone fractures. 4. Which symptom is classic for fat embolism syndrome? A. Petechial rash and respiratory distress B. Abdominal pain only C. Rash on arms only D. Increased appetite Correct Answer: A. Petechial rash and respiratory distress Rationale: Fat embolism affects lungs, brain, and skin. 5. Which intervention is priority in suspected compartment syndrome? A. Elevate limb above heart level B. Loosen restrictive dressings and notify provider C. Apply ice only D. Encourage walking Correct Answer: B. Loosen restrictive dressings and notify provider Rationale: Immediate decompression is needed to restore perfusion. 6. Which finding is an early sign of compartment syndrome? A. Pain out of proportion B. Fever C. Bradycardia D. Rash Correct Answer: A. Pain out of proportion Rationale: Severe pain is the earliest and most sensitive sign. 7. Which fracture type involves bone piercing the skin? A. Closed fracture B. Greenstick fracture C. Open (compound) fracture D. Stress fracture Correct Answer: C. Open (compound) fracture Rationale: Bone is exposed to external environment. 8. Which complication is most associated with open fractures? A. Infection B. Hypertension C. Migraine D. Diabetes Correct Answer: A. Infection Rationale: Open wounds expose bone to bacteria. 9. Which imaging is most appropriate for fracture diagnosis? A. X-ray B. ECG C. EEG D. Ultrasound abdomen Correct Answer: A. X-ray Rationale: X-ray is standard for fracture detection. 10. Which intervention is appropriate for fracture immobilization? A. Apply splint before transport B. Encourage walking C. Massage area D. Remove alignment devices Correct Answer: A. Apply splint before transport Rationale: Immobilization prevents further injury. 11. Which sign indicates neurovascular compromise? A. Numbness and tingling B. Increased appetite C. Clear urine D. Normal skin color Correct Answer: A. Numbness and tingling Rationale: Suggests nerve compression or ischemia. 12. Which fracture healing phase involves hematoma formation? A. Remodeling B. Inflammatory phase C. Soft callus formation D. Hard callus formation Correct Answer: B. Inflammatory phase Rationale: Hematoma forms immediately after fracture. 13. Which intervention promotes fracture healing? A. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake B. Smoking C. Immobilization only without nutrition D. Dehydration Correct Answer: A. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake Rationale: Minerals support bone repair. 14. Which device is commonly used for cervical spine immobilization? A. Halo vest B. Cast shoe C. Sling only D. Knee brace Correct Answer: A. Halo vest Rationale: Provides rigid cervical spine stabilization. 15. Which sign suggests infection in fracture site? A. Fever and increased pain B. Reduced swelling C. Normal temperature D. Improved mobility Correct Answer: A. Fever and increased pain Rationale: Infection increases inflammation and systemic response.