Pathophysiology assistance

Nursing Students Student Assist

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I struggle with this word quite a lot "pathophysiology". This time in particular I need to know the "pathophysiology" of a fractured left femur and fractured ribs - but there is little to no information published, not even in my med-surg/fundamentals text books.

Any ideas?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Hi! Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

We ask ALL students to post what they think and what their research has revealed to them first....we will then jump in. What semester are you? Is it a 2 or 4 year program?

Is this a real patient? Is there any more information available?

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I study in Australia, final year of the 3 year degree. Its not a real patient, more or less for studying purposes.

The patient is a 38 year old who had a fall at home, suffering fractures to her left 2nd and 4th rib in addition to her femur. No LOC or confusion post-fall and being afebrile.

My thoughts on the pathophysiology of fractured ribs:-

•an intact chest wall aids in protection of sensitive organs under bone

•trauma to the chest (such as a fall) can occur causing a force exceeding tensile or compressive boundaries causing it to break

•fractures then cause pain along with disruption to ventilation essential to the supply of oxygen to the blood stream and removal of carbon dioxide

•impaired ventilation causes tidal volume to decrease and also a decrease in surface area for oxygenation...

Am i on the right track? My brains fried! As for patho of # femur im lost for words lol... my nightshift brain !!

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Specializes in Home Health.

As for the fractured femur, largest bone in the body: Potential for hemorrhage internally and formation of clots. Pain of course.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Have you been told of any major complications specific to long bone fractures? Last year I took care of a very young pt (19) who had this happen; he suffered very profound brain damage.

Lower body injury can impair activity; what are some complications of impaired activity?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Any rib fracture creates the risk of pneumonia because it hurts to breathe and the patient may not take as deep breaths. Any fracture in the lower extremities affect mobility and decreased mobility can lead to pneumonia or DVT/PE. Any post surgical patient (if the femur requires surgery) are at risk for DVT/PE. Fat embolisms can happen with long bone fractures such as the femur.

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