Fractures

Causes of Fractures

• Common causes include accidents, falls, bone tumors, cancer, and osteoporosis.
• Fractures can result in pain, swelling, loss of function, movement of the affected body part, deformity, bleeding, and bruising.

Treatment of Fractures

• Treatment requires realigning the broken bone ends for proper healing.
• Clean breaks may be treated by manually setting the bone and placing it in a cast for healing.
• Casts can be made of plaster of Paris, plastic, or fiberglass and must keep the bone protected and immobile.

Cast Care Guidelines

• Do not cover casts with blankets.
• Reposition patients every two hours to avoid casting deformation.
• Hold wet casts with palms to avoid dents and pressure points.
• Keep casts dry and do not insert objects to scratch itches inside.
• Use pillows to elevate the injured body part to reduce swelling.

Signs to Report

• Report to a nurse if there are signs like pain, swelling, pale or bluish skin, odor, inability to move, numbness, temperature changes, drainage, or systemic symptoms (chills, fever).

Traction Care

• Traction is used for complicated fractures, like compound fractures; it maintains alignment through a steady pull on the limb.
• Ensure proper alignment, keep weights off the floor, check ropes, assist with range of motion exercises, and monitor for infections or nerve damage.

Hip Fracture Care

• Hip fractures are common in older adults, often requiring surgery and long recovery periods.
• Complications include infections, blood clots, skin breakdown, and confusion.
• Monitor skin, change positions to avoid bedsores, assist with deep breathing, and use supports as per care plans.
• Never allow weight on the injured leg until clearance is given by a doctor.
• Encourage the use of elastic stockings and be vigilant about fall prevention.

Conclusion

• Understanding fracture care is essential for nursing assistants.
• Ongoing learning through exercises, simulations, and practice is crucial for skill development.