1.What are the priorities in treating orthopedic injuries? What are the available options for stabilizing his leg?
A patient that presents with multiple fractures must be fully assessed prior to initiating treatment. This patient needs immediate attention for the fractured ribs and pelvis. Flail chest, which results from multiple ribs being fractured can be a life threatening injury. A fractured pelvis can cause life threatening bleeding due to injury to structures protected by the pelvis. If the pelvis ring is not damaged, the fracture is not as serious (Campagne, 2014). In the event the pelvis ring is broke, a pelvic splint should be utilized. Traction should be used to stabilize the femur. The femur should be immobilized before the pelvis to make sure the femur traction does not …show more content…
What risk factors for complications of fractures are present?
This patient is at increased risk of depression due to his injuries and length of time it will take for him to hopefully return to his pre-injury state. He is at increased risk for infection and necrosis due to the crushing injuries to the bone, tissue and nerves. He has an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and fat embolism (Grossman/Porth, 2014). Muscle and tendon contractures lead to limited mobility; the longer the patient has to remain immobilized, the greater the contractures. Immobility can also lead to the breakdown of skin in bony areas, this also increases chances of infection. Loss of function due to nerve damage from the injury is often a problem. Care provides need to continually assess this patient for development of compartment syndrome Grossman/Porth, 2014).
Campagne, D. (2014) Pelvic fractures. Merck Manual Professional Version. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/fractures,-dislocations,-and-sprains/pelvic-fractures
Grossman, S., Porth, C. (2014). Porth’s pathophysiology concepts of altered health states. Philadelphia, PA Lippincott Williams &
A patient that presents with multiple fractures must be fully assessed prior to initiating treatment. This patient needs immediate attention for the fractured ribs and pelvis. Flail chest, which results from multiple ribs being fractured can be a life threatening injury. A fractured pelvis can cause life threatening bleeding due to injury to structures protected by the pelvis. If the pelvis ring is not damaged, the fracture is not as serious (Campagne, 2014). In the event the pelvis ring is broke, a pelvic splint should be utilized. Traction should be used to stabilize the femur. The femur should be immobilized before the pelvis to make sure the femur traction does not …show more content…
What risk factors for complications of fractures are present?
This patient is at increased risk of depression due to his injuries and length of time it will take for him to hopefully return to his pre-injury state. He is at increased risk for infection and necrosis due to the crushing injuries to the bone, tissue and nerves. He has an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and fat embolism (Grossman/Porth, 2014). Muscle and tendon contractures lead to limited mobility; the longer the patient has to remain immobilized, the greater the contractures. Immobility can also lead to the breakdown of skin in bony areas, this also increases chances of infection. Loss of function due to nerve damage from the injury is often a problem. Care provides need to continually assess this patient for development of compartment syndrome Grossman/Porth, 2014).
Campagne, D. (2014) Pelvic fractures. Merck Manual Professional Version. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/fractures,-dislocations,-and-sprains/pelvic-fractures
Grossman, S., Porth, C. (2014). Porth’s pathophysiology concepts of altered health states. Philadelphia, PA Lippincott Williams &