Exam 4: Chapter 40 - Musculoskeletal Care Modalities Flashcards
(143 cards)
A cast is a
rigid external immobilizing device that is molded to the contours of the body.
Most common casting materials consist of
fiberglass or plaster of Paris, as these materials can be molded
Pressure areas in arm in cast?
Ulna Styloid, Radial Styloid, Olecranon, Lateral Epicondyle
avascular necrosis
death of tissue due to insufficient blood supply
Cast syndrome
psychological (claustrophobic reaction) or physiologic (superior mesenteric artery syndrome) responses to confinement in body cast
external fixator
external metal frame attached to bone fragments to stabilize them
heterotopic ossification
misplaced formation of bone
naurovascular status
neurologic (motor and sensory components) and circulatory functioning of a body part
osteolysis
lysis of bone from inflammatory reaction against polyethylene particulate debris
osteomyelitis
infection of the bone
msteotomy
surgical cutting of bone
paresthesia
an abnormal sensation of tingling or numbness or burning
the patient may require a tetanus booster if the wound is dirty and if the last known booster was given more than _____ years ago
Five
the main concern following the application of an immobilization device is assessment and prevention of neurovascular dysfunction or compromise of the affected extremity. Assessments are performed at least every _____ for the first 24 hours and every _____ to _____ hours thereafter to prevent neurovascular compromise related to edema and/or the device
Hour
1-4
the 6 “P’s” indicative of neurovascular compromise are:
Pain Poikilothermia Pallor Pulselessness Paresthesia Paralysis
to augment the flow of fluid, the nurse elevates the extremity so that it is above the level of the heart during the first _____ to _____ hours postapplication to enhance arterial perfusion and control edema and notifies the primary provider at once if signs of compromised neurovascular status are present
24-48
pain associated with the underlying condition (eg _____) is frequently controlled by immobilization
fracture
pain due to edema that is associated with trauma, surgery or bleeding into the tissues can frequently be controlled by _____ and if prescribed, intermitten application of ice or cold packs
elevation
pain associated with _____ _____ is relentless and is not controlled by modalities such as elevation, application of ice or cold, and usual doses of analgesic agents
compartment syndrome
severe burning pain over bony prominences, especially the heels, anterior ankles, and elbows, warns of an impending _____ _____. This may also occur from too tight elastic wraps used to hold splints in place
pressure ulcer
the nurse must never ignore complaints of pain from the patient in a cast because of the possibility of problems such as impaired tissue perfusion, compartment syndrome or pressure ulcer formation. A patients unrelieved pain and increasing analgesic requirements must be reported immediately to the _____ _____ to avoid necrosis, neuromuscular damage and possible paralysis
primary provider
while the cast is on the nurse observes the patient for systemic signs of _____, which include an unpleasant odor from the cast, splint or brace and purulent drainage staining the cast. If the infection progresses, a fever may develop. The nurse must notify the _____ _____ if any of these signs occur
Infection
Primary Provider
Every joint that is not immobilized should be exercised and moved through its range of motion to maintain function. The nurse encourages the patient to move all fingers or toes _____ when awake to stimulate circulation
Hourly
_____ _____ - the most serious complication of casting and splinting- occurs when increased pressure within a confined space (eg cast, muscle compartment) compromises blood flow and tissue perfusion. Ischemia and potentially irreversible damage to the soft tissues within that space can occur within a few hours if action is not taken. A tight or rigid cast/splint that constricts a swollen limb is associated with this complication.
compartment syndrome