What to do with open reduction of radial fracture?

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I have a question that says what nursing care is benficial for a patient with open reduction of radial fracture who complains of throbbing pain in arm. I would check for any warmth or maybe drainage? I am not 100% sure. What do you think?

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

I would be checking for compartment syndrome, numbness tingling, circulation in the fingers, and movement. If all is good there, when they had something for pain last and is it effective. I would also ice if the dr okay's and elevate, and make sure any wrappings are not too tight. If you can see the incision, checking it of course, but most likely it is covered.

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Time to log off and study. Your answers are in your reading and should not be difficult to find if you put in your own time. This board is not a homework source.

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I actually did read my whole book. My med surg book is really difficult, the paragraph over open reduction is maybe 5 sentences. I am required to find out other information on my own. Thank for your nice response though!

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Specializes in ED, Neuro, Management, Clinical Educator.

As stated above reassess distal CSM, look for signs of infection, ice and elevate, and if one of the answers is "consider compartment syndrome" that's probably what they want you to say.

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I don't think that by "finding information on your own", they mean posting on an internet bulletin board. Part of being a resourceful nurse is, when you don't know the answer to something, being able to find out using the right resources. Just asking someone else, who may or may not give you correct information, is not among those.

You could try posting your question in the "students" section of this website. Perhaps someone there can point you to some resources that might assist you.

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I don't know where student forum is or I would have posted it there. Maybe instead of being so hateful you would be so polite to tell me how to get there. Thanks!

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

definitely assess for compartment syndrome and the 5 P's:

Pain (which is already evident)

Pallor

Paresthesias

Pulse

Paralysis

compare with baseline data and with the other extremity. I would also check for warmth and drainage at the site, and also maybe a temp to see if the pt is running a fever (= infection).

Keep in mind that with compartment syndrome, pain is NOT relieved with narcotics.

And you posted in the (student) nursing assistance forum, but here is a link to the students area:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student/

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I don't know where student forum is or I would have posted it there. Maybe instead of being so hateful you would be so polite to tell me how to get there. Thanks!

There was absolutely nothing hateful about my reply to you. I am sorry you interpreted it as such. Best of luck in your schooling.

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