RNSG 1443 - Exam 3|Musculoskeletal Trauma and Orthopedic Nursing
Examination: Neurovascular Assessment, Sprains, Strains, Ligament Injury,
Tendon Damage, Dislocations, Subluxations, Repetitive Strain Injury, Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Tears, Meniscus Injury, Anterior Cruciate
Ligament Rupture, Bursitis, Bone Fractures, Open Fractures, Closed
Fractures, Intraarticular Fractures, Fracture Reduction, Traction Therapy,
Buck’s Traction, Skeletal Traction, Cast Immobilization, External Fixation,
Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Compartment Syndrome, Venous
Thromboembolism, Fat Embolism Syndrome, Rhabdomyolysis,
Osteomyelitis, Hip Fracture Management, Pelvic Fracture Complications,
Amputation Rehabilitation, Joint Arthroplasty Care Exam Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
neurovascular assessment
Vascular: color, temp, peripheral pulses, cap refill, edema
neuro: pain, sensation, motor function
Musculoskeletal medications
Sprains/Strains
Strains:
Stretching of muscle and fascia, often involves the tendon.
Overstretching misuse overexertion. usually bigger muscles.
Hx of trauma
,Sprains:
Injury to ligaments of joint, not muscles!!
Wrench or twist
S &S swelling, pain
Echymosis
Both have similar symptoms:
Pain
Edema
Decrease in function
Contusion
X-RAYS MAY BE DONE TO RULE OUT FRACTURE
can get an avulsion fracture
avulsion fracture
Tendon or ligament pulls bone away at site of attachment during a sprain or strain.
,Sprains/Strains tx
Treatment varies on severity, but initial treatment includes RICE: Rest, Ice (20 min on/20 min off, for 1st
24-48 hours) , Compress, Elevate
-Mild Analgesia
-Alternate warm compress (moist heat) after 24-48 hours.
-Encourage use with taping or splinting to support if necessary.
-May need to rest 3-6 weeks/ lower extremity may need crutches initially.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
-Warming up the muscles prior to vigorous activity (teach pt. to prevent more future injuries)
-compression, elevate the injured part
-Teach patients the benefits of strength, endurance and balance training.
* when wrapping, start distally & end proximally
dislocation (luxation)
Total separation from normal joint position
, Surfaces lose contact
Subluxation
Displacement of bone
Partial loss of contact with articulating surfaces
X-Rays determine extent of displacement
Dislocation & Subluxation s/s
Signs and Symptoms
Pain
Swelling
Change in contour/Deformity
Affected limb shorter
Loss of normal mobility
Swelling
Danger- avascular necrosis
avascular necrosis
Examination: Neurovascular Assessment, Sprains, Strains, Ligament Injury,
Tendon Damage, Dislocations, Subluxations, Repetitive Strain Injury, Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Tears, Meniscus Injury, Anterior Cruciate
Ligament Rupture, Bursitis, Bone Fractures, Open Fractures, Closed
Fractures, Intraarticular Fractures, Fracture Reduction, Traction Therapy,
Buck’s Traction, Skeletal Traction, Cast Immobilization, External Fixation,
Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Compartment Syndrome, Venous
Thromboembolism, Fat Embolism Syndrome, Rhabdomyolysis,
Osteomyelitis, Hip Fracture Management, Pelvic Fracture Complications,
Amputation Rehabilitation, Joint Arthroplasty Care Exam Questions Verified
and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
neurovascular assessment
Vascular: color, temp, peripheral pulses, cap refill, edema
neuro: pain, sensation, motor function
Musculoskeletal medications
Sprains/Strains
Strains:
Stretching of muscle and fascia, often involves the tendon.
Overstretching misuse overexertion. usually bigger muscles.
Hx of trauma
,Sprains:
Injury to ligaments of joint, not muscles!!
Wrench or twist
S &S swelling, pain
Echymosis
Both have similar symptoms:
Pain
Edema
Decrease in function
Contusion
X-RAYS MAY BE DONE TO RULE OUT FRACTURE
can get an avulsion fracture
avulsion fracture
Tendon or ligament pulls bone away at site of attachment during a sprain or strain.
,Sprains/Strains tx
Treatment varies on severity, but initial treatment includes RICE: Rest, Ice (20 min on/20 min off, for 1st
24-48 hours) , Compress, Elevate
-Mild Analgesia
-Alternate warm compress (moist heat) after 24-48 hours.
-Encourage use with taping or splinting to support if necessary.
-May need to rest 3-6 weeks/ lower extremity may need crutches initially.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
-Warming up the muscles prior to vigorous activity (teach pt. to prevent more future injuries)
-compression, elevate the injured part
-Teach patients the benefits of strength, endurance and balance training.
* when wrapping, start distally & end proximally
dislocation (luxation)
Total separation from normal joint position
, Surfaces lose contact
Subluxation
Displacement of bone
Partial loss of contact with articulating surfaces
X-Rays determine extent of displacement
Dislocation & Subluxation s/s
Signs and Symptoms
Pain
Swelling
Change in contour/Deformity
Affected limb shorter
Loss of normal mobility
Swelling
Danger- avascular necrosis
avascular necrosis
