Question

1- What are nursing interventions during bone fractures or sprains?

2- What is the difference between sprains and strains?

3- What are complications of Fractures?

Answer 1

Fracture is a break in the bone. It can be any bone which a fracture can occur.

Sprains are injuries to the tissues which connect two bones together. It can result from any twist which can occur during walking or holding heavy things in our hands.

1. Nursing interventions during bone fracture or sprains

• Assess the type of fracture patient is having.
• Assess the severity of patient's pain.
• Assess whether any muscle injury occurred or not.
• Assist in the application of plaster cast for the patient.
• Assess for the capillary refill in the limb where plaster cast is applied.
• Elevate the affected limb or area to promote blood circulation.
• Provide supporting device for the patient.
• Monitor the severity, intensity and the location of pain.
• Use a standardized pain scale to record the patient's pain.
• Administer prescribed analgesics for the patient.
• Advice the client to notify the nurse if the pain increase or any disturbances due to the plaster cast.
• Assess the area below the plaster cast for any cyanosis.
• Notify the physician if any complications arise.

2. Difference between sprains and strains

Sprain

• Sprains are a type of injury to the bands of tissues connecting the two bones together.
• It occurs due to a twist in the hands or ankle joints while running or jumping or due to falls from height.
• Common areas affected are palmar joints, ankle joint etc.
• The symptoms include pain, reddish discoloration of the particular area affected, bruising, a pop-up like sound in the joint while walking.
• Treament include (RICE), that is Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation of the affected area.

Strain

• Strains are the injury to the bands of muscle or of a tissue which connects a muscle to a bone.
• It may occur due to over stretching of muscles due to forceful activities.
• Common areas hamstring muscles of thigh, lower back, neck and shoulder.
• The symptoms include pain, a knotted like feeling, fatigue etc.
• Treatment is same as that of sprain.

3. Complications of fractures

• Delayed union of bones - the bones may take more time to heal than the recommended time.
• Non - union of bones - the fracture will not heal in this condition.
• Malunion of bones - the fracture will heal but the alignment of bones will not be proper.
• Contracture - thickening or stiffening in the area of fracture or the limb affected.
• Compartment syndrome - this is a severe complication of fracture which occur due severe internal bleeding.