Fractures are broken bones. Fractures can occur from trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, age-related conditions like osteoporosis, or from overuse such as stress fractures in athletes. Show
There are also different kinds of fractures. Here are some examples:
The Nursing ProcessNurses may care for patients with fractures in many settings such as emergency departments, urgent care centers, or inpatient units following surgical repairs. Fractures can be minor such as a broken toe only requiring splinting or major such as a hip, neck, or femur fracture requiring surgery, inpatient care, and months of recovery. Nurses assist with pain control, overcoming activity limitations, preventing further complications, and discharge planning. Nursing Care Plans Related to FracturesAcute Pain Care PlanAcute pain with a fracture results from injury to the surrounding tissues, muscles, and nerves. Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Pain Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Acute Pain Assessment1. Assess for pain. 2. Monitor vital signs. 3. Assess pain relief. Acute Pain Interventions1. Administer analgesics. 2. Provide alternative comfort measures. 3. Support the injured area. 4. Instruct on medications at discharge. Risk For Constipation Care PlanOpioids used for pain will cause constipation as they slow down gastric emptying and peristalsis. Untreated constipation can have uncomfortable and serious consequences. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk For Constipation Related to:
Note: A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not occurred yet and the goal of nursing interventions is aimed at prevention. Expected Outcomes:
Risk For Constipation Assessment1. Auscultate bowel sounds. 2. Assess the patient’s normal bowel pattern. Risk For Constipation Interventions1. Administer stool softeners or laxatives. 2. Educate on the risk and prevention of constipation. 3. Increase fluids. 4. Increase mobility as tolerated. Impaired Physical Mobility Care PlanFractures impair the ability to ambulate, complete ADLs, and increase the risk of falls and other injuries. Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Physical Mobility Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Impaired Physical Mobility Assessment1. Assess the degree of physical limitation. 2. Assess for pain or other psychological concerns. 3. Assess
for a support system. Impaired Physical Mobility Interventions1. Encourage independence. 2. Premedicate before movement. 3. Collaborate with
PT/OT. 4. Encourage the use of assistive devices and
equipment. References and Sources
Which intervention would the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient in skeletal traction?A nurse plans care for a client who is prescribed skeletal traction. Which intervention should the nurse include in this plan of care to decrease the client's risk for infection? Schedule for pin care to be provided every shift.
For which of the following clients might skeletal traction be indicated?Skeletal traction is indicated for those with shortened unstable fractures/dislocations of the extremity. This is particularly relevant for the lower limb where it may be difficult to immobilize with splinting alone or require greater force than what skin traction could provide [21,22].
Which of the following is an inaccurate principle of traction?Which is an inaccurate principle of traction? -The weights are not removed unless intermittent treatment is prescribed.
Which orthopedic surgery is done to correct and align fracture?Reduction is a surgical procedure to repair a fracture or dislocation to the correct alignment.
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