Question

Randy, 10 years of age, was hit by a car while riding his bicycle and sustained a fractured right femur that was classified as a complete fracture. On arrival to the emergency department, Randy was alert, vital signs stable, and he complained of pain "only if I move." Randy's mother gave consent for treatment and admission. After x-rays, Randy was taken to the operating room for application of traction to his leg.

Questions

List the "five Ps" of ischemia from a vascular injury.

Which diagnostic studies are most useful for assessing skeletal trauma?

What are the goals of fracture management?

What clinical manifestations would alert you to the possibility of compartment syndrome?

Randy's mother has indicated that her son is "always on the go" and "never sits still." Recommend three activities that would meet Randy's developmental needs while in traction.

Answer 1

The five P’s of Ischaemia from a vascular injury are:

A) Pain

B) Pallor

C) Paralysis

D) Pulse deficit

E) Paresthesia

The diagnostic studies for assisting skeletal trauma are:

A) X-rays

B) Computed Tomography

C) Magnetic Resonance Imaging

D) Bone Scintigraphy

Goals of fracture management:

A) Prevent fracture and soft tissue complications

B) Get fracture to heal and in satisfactory position for optimal function for recovery

C) Intra-articular fracture needs accurate reduction and rigid fixation but non-articular fracture of bone require anatomical reduction and stable fixation

D) Rehabilitate as early as possible by active and passive exercises

E) Restore patient to optimal functional state

Symptoms of compartment syndrome can include severe pain, poor pulses, decreased ability to move, numbness, pale color of the affected limb. Other symptoms include feeling of tightness in the muscle or tingling or burning sensation in the skin around the affected area.

Recommended three activities that would meet Randy’s developmental needs while in traction are

A) Fishing game

B) Traction Basket ball

C) Punching bag

D) Walkie Talkies

These activities helps to promote industry and concrete operations for the cognitive developmental stage for early adolescence