Ankles

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

For whatever reason, we seem to have had a lot of ankle injuries lately. I use the Ottawa Ankle Rules to assess, but feel like I'm still not sure. I know none of us has x-ray vision (if only!), so, I guess what I'm looking for is any advice or tips for ankle/foot injury assessment.

thanks

PS: sorry for speaking somewhat caveman this morning, I guess my coffee hasn't kicked in

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Assess, ice, reassess, call parent. It's what I do. The kid is not likely to stop moving. Also the children's hospital recommended I refer to them pretty much any time there's an ankle or wrist injury due to growth plates and the tricky nature of these injuries.

[OldDude]

Since pain is so subjective and elementary schoolers tend to embellish their level of pain, haha, I don't get too excited about ankles unless I see swelling. I'll often report the injuries to parents just to cover my backside.

[CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN]

I pretty much assess, ice, and report to parents or have the student use their own phone real quick in the clinic to report it (faster and easier for me, haha).

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

I just tell everyone that I'll have to send them for an amputation if they keep hopping around like rabbits. Anyone who doesn't start walking normally, has swelling/discoloration, I call home. Amount of smiling has a lot to do in my assessment and is communicated to the parent.