The Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I)

Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains

QUESTIONS

  1. Define fracture.
  2. What is the term that is used to describe a bone broken cleanly into 2 pieces?
  3. What is meant by a compound fracture?
  4. What is the term used to describe a fracture where important structures or organs around the site of the broken bone are damaged?
  5. What is meant by a multiple fracture?
  6. What is the name given to the incomplete fracture commonly seen in young dogs?
  7. What is a distracted fracture?
  8. What is the name given to a fracture where the fracture line runs at right angles to the bone cortex?
  9. List 6 signs that may be detected in the event of a fracture.
  10. Explain why a complete compound fracture would be more painful than an incomplete simple fracture.
  11. A cat is brought to the surgery as an emergency following an RTA. The owner has noticed that the cat is walking with a strange gait and that the hindquarters are carried very low. What is the most likely problem, and what first aid would you carry out.
  12. If a spinal fracture is suspected, why is it very important to move the patient with extreme care?
  13. Name the support dressing that includes maximum padding and is ideal for the immobilisation of fractured limbs?
  14. Why might the two distal flanges of the middle two toes be left exposed following the application of a Robert Jones dressing?
  15. List 4 types of splint that may be used to temporarily immobilise a limb fracture.
  16. State 2 instances when it may be possible to immobilise an injured part of the body by using a healthy part of the body as a splint.
  17. Define dislocation.
  18. What is another name for a dislocation?
  19. Name the 4 joints that are common sites for dislocation.
  20. What is the correct term for a partial dislocation?
  21. What is the name of the dressing that may be used to support the hind limb following reduction of hip luxation?
  22. What is the name of the dressing that may be used support the shoulder joint following luxation?
  23. What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
  24. Name the 4 joints that are common sites of sprains.
  25. What is the cause of "kangaroo stance"?