Question

For the scenario below, outline the appropriate patient teaching you would perform.

1. Fractures

An individual has a fracture of the ulna and radius at the wrist. A cast was placed on the area a few weeks earlier, and the patient is now requesting additional information about therapy for the hand, wrist, and arm. The physician has explained the anticipated therapy to the patient and asks you to review this information with him or her. How do you handle this patient-teaching opportunity?

Answer 1

Fore arm fracture - Patient teaching about general disorder, causes, diagnosis,and treatments.

The forearm is made up of two bones, the ulna and the radius.

A forearm fracture can occur in one or both of the forearm bones.

Some of the causes include falls on the forearm or outstretched arm and direct impact from an object to the forearm.

Treatment for forearm fractures is almost always operative, but nonoperative management can be used in specific cases — usually for an isolated ulna fracture.

>Teaching about A stable, simple and isolated fracture of the ulna (secondary to a direct blow) can be treated with a cast for about four to six weeks. Your doctor will closely follow your progress with X-rays to assure nondisplacement of the fracture and proper bone healing. During this time, weight lifting and bearing is not permitted.

After removal of the cast, you will start physical therapy with specific exercises to regain full range of motion of your elbow and wrist and rotation of the forearm. Your doctor will increasingly allow you to lift weights according to how your fracture is healing.

On removal of the cast, hand therapy will provide splints or sports guards to protect the wrist, advice and education to ensure the patient understands the rehabilitation process and exercises to restore strength, movement and function .

Hand therapy can provide the following:

Treatments without an operation

Help with recent or long-lasting pain

Help to reduce sensitivity from nerve problems

Learning to feel again after a nerve injury

Learning home exercise programs to help with movement and strength

How to make splints to help prevent or improve stiffness

Learning to complete everyday activities with special tools

Help getting back to work.

This may include assistance with helping wounds heal, preventing infection, scar treatment and reducing swelling.