NUR 195 UNIT EXAM 3 KEY CONCEPTS
The pathophysiology of compartment syndrome
Damage or death of blood vessels and nerves brought on by oedema and
swelling
Clinical manifestation of compartment syndrome
Pallor (pale limb distal fracture), polar (cold limb distal fracture), reduced
pulses, paresthesia (tingling and numbness), paresis (muscle weakness),
swelling, and discomfort (new onset intense pain)
*Take off the cast to cure compartment syndrome!
The fasciotomy
Risk factors for fat embolism and lengthy bone fracture
* Clinical appearance of fat embolism
elevated heart rate, chest pain, elevated respiratory rate, hypoxia, dyspnea,
disorientation, and facial, neck, and chest petechia (a defining characteristic of a
fat embolism vs a pulmonary embolism)
Treatment for fat embolism: corticosteroids and water
Preventing complications from hip fractures
DVT: blood thinners and compression stockings
Antibiotics before and after infections
, Prosthesis dislocation: maintain abduction right after surgery (don't remove the
abduction pullow), and provide discharge instruction to prevent bending over 90
degrees, crossing one's knees, and twisting or pivoting at the hips.
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate, and it is used to manage hip
fracture pain.
Casting Issues
After the fracture is corrected, discomfort drastically lessens; any new, severe
pain is probably a symptom of a problem.
Education of casting clients
Allow the cast to fully dry before moving it with anything other than your
palms.
Muscle spasms are lessened with skin traction.
Realignment and good fracture healing are achieved through skeletal traction.
Pin site maintenance
begins 48–72 hours later.
*The nurse should check for symptoms of reation (redness, warmth, and
serosanguinous discharge) every eight hours.
Unless there is a reaction that allows the use of saline solution, chlorhexidene is
employed.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
The pathophysiology of compartment syndrome
Damage or death of blood vessels and nerves brought on by oedema and
swelling
Clinical manifestation of compartment syndrome
Pallor (pale limb distal fracture), polar (cold limb distal fracture), reduced
pulses, paresthesia (tingling and numbness), paresis (muscle weakness),
swelling, and discomfort (new onset intense pain)
*Take off the cast to cure compartment syndrome!
The fasciotomy
Risk factors for fat embolism and lengthy bone fracture
* Clinical appearance of fat embolism
elevated heart rate, chest pain, elevated respiratory rate, hypoxia, dyspnea,
disorientation, and facial, neck, and chest petechia (a defining characteristic of a
fat embolism vs a pulmonary embolism)
Treatment for fat embolism: corticosteroids and water
Preventing complications from hip fractures
DVT: blood thinners and compression stockings
Antibiotics before and after infections
, Prosthesis dislocation: maintain abduction right after surgery (don't remove the
abduction pullow), and provide discharge instruction to prevent bending over 90
degrees, crossing one's knees, and twisting or pivoting at the hips.
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate, and it is used to manage hip
fracture pain.
Casting Issues
After the fracture is corrected, discomfort drastically lessens; any new, severe
pain is probably a symptom of a problem.
Education of casting clients
Allow the cast to fully dry before moving it with anything other than your
palms.
Muscle spasms are lessened with skin traction.
Realignment and good fracture healing are achieved through skeletal traction.
Pin site maintenance
begins 48–72 hours later.
*The nurse should check for symptoms of reation (redness, warmth, and
serosanguinous discharge) every eight hours.
Unless there is a reaction that allows the use of saline solution, chlorhexidene is
employed.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
