Author Question: A patient is diagnosed with an open compound fracture and is scheduled for immediate surgery. On ... (Read 29 times)

mpobi80 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient is diagnosed with an open compound fracture and is scheduled for immediate surgery. On which problems should the nurse focus during the patient's immediate postoperative period?

1. difficulty with mobility
2. anxiety related to the surgical procedure
3. potential for infection
4. possibility of falling

Question 2

A patient is placed in Buck's traction after a hip fracture. What should be included in this patient's plan of care?

1. providing pin site care every shift as prescribed
2. placing an abduction pillow between the legs for alignment
3. having another person hold the weights when pulling the patient up in bed
4. turning the patient to the unaffected side every 2 hours

JYan · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3

The patient with an open, compound fracture has multiple bone breaks penetrating through the skin, and must be assessed and cared for vigilantly for signs of infection. The patient will have difficulty with mobility and possibly fall; however, these are not the priority during the immediate postoperative period. The surgery has been completed. The risk of anxiety about the surgery should be resolved.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Buck's traction is used preoperatively to control muscle spasms, immobilize a fractured hip, and maintain alignment of an extremity. Often, patients will scoot down toward the end of the bed, and the weights are resting on the floor. To avoid injury and added pain, one person holds the weights while the others use a lift sheet to reposition the patient. Buck's traction is skin traction; no skeletal pins are used. An abduction pillow is used postoperatively, and a patient cannot be turned with this type of therapy.