Author Question: A client is in the emergency department with a suspected fracture of the upper arm. The x-ray shows ... (Read 89 times)

haleyc112 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A client is in the emergency department with a suspected fracture of the upper arm. The x-ray shows a jagged break from a twisting force. The nurse should explain to the family that the client is experiencing:

1. a compression fracture.
2. a greenstick fracture.
3. a spiral fracture.
4. a comminuted fracture.

Question 2

A client is in the hospital after an open reduction of the left forearm. The nurse should monitor the client closely for:

1. excessive sweating distal to the fracture.
2. pallor and decreased capillary refill of the hand.
3. pain relieved by narcotics.
4. bounding pulse in the wrist.

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

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3

1. A compression occurs when the bone is crushed.
2. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete break along the length of the bone.
3. A spiral fracture occurs with a twisting motion.
4. A comminuted fracture identifies a bone that breaks into several pieces.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2

1. Sweating is not a sign of problems with the fracture.
2. Pallor and decreased capillary refill are signs of compartment syndrome which is a medical emergency.
3. With compartment syndrome, the pain is unrelieved by narcotics.
4. The radial artery is absent with compartment syndrome.