Question

case study #2 caring for clients requiring orthopedic treatment

Answer 1

Answer : Orthopaedic nursing is a nursing speciality focused on the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders .The important nursing care for orthopedic treatment patients are the following : 1) Control of pain : pain control is a key factor in improving a patients recovery. Adequate pain control promotes earlier mobilization and improves circulation. Firstly , check  the pain site and confirm the causes of pain and confirm  whether there is any bleeding or swelling or other problems . Secondly, asses the pain score .Thirdly ,provide medications or other options such as positioning, ice analgesics or mobilizations . Lastly, reassess and document the pain score after fifteen minutes . 2) Assess the CMS condition : it includes checking the pulses distal to injury (nurses can check either by palpation or using Doppler), check the capillary refill by pressing the tip of the fracture site, check the motor function and sensation distal to fracture. 3) Assess the bowel sounds, time of last bowel moved ,urinary complications and further management. 4) prevent infection by providing proper dressings and keeping proper hand hygiene .5) Apply the splints ,bandages or brace effectively but check whether there is any swelling .If swelling persists ,elevate the affected extremities with pillows or other supporting things, to reduce edema. Teach the patient to do limb exercises ,check splint should be well padded or not 6) assess skin care issues : pressure ulcers develop over a bony prominence area due to pressure in combination with shear or friction .Use Braden scale to assess the severity of the pressure ulcers and provide frequent position changing , back care and mobilization to prevent Deep vein thrombosis if patient is comfortable . 7)check circulation ,motor ,sensory ,ecchymosis of the wound site always and inform surgeons . 8) provide psychological support and adequate sleep 9) close monitoring of patients with unstable pelvic fractures because of the increased risk for hypovolemic shock 10) monitor strict intake and output 11) strictly monitor the amount of bleeding ,soakage and change pads frequently.