Author Question: A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device ... (Read 56 times)

dejastew · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which information will the nurse teach?

a. You will need to check and clean the pin insertion sites daily.
b. The external fixator can be removed for your bath or shower.
c. You will need to remain on bed rest until bone healing is complete.
d. Prophylactic antibiotics are used until the external fixator is removed.

Question 2

A patient with a complex pelvic fracture from a motor vehicle crash is on bed rest. Which nursing assessment finding is important to report to the health care provider?

a. The patient states that the pelvis feels unstable.
b. Abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are absent.
c. There are ecchymoses across the abdomen and hips.
d. The patient complains of pelvic pain with palpation.

IAPPLET · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Pin insertion sites should be cleaned daily to decrease the risk for infection at the site. An external fixator allows the patient to be out of bed and avoid the risks of prolonged immobility. The device is surgically placed and is not removed until the bone is stable. Prophylactic antibiotics are not routinely given when an external fixator is used.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds may be due to complications of pelvic fractures such as paralytic ileus or hemorrhage or trauma to the bladder, urethra, or colon. Pelvic instability, abdominal pain with palpation, and abdominal bruising would be expected with this type of injury.