Which interventions will be contraindicated for a client who has a fracture and compartment syndrome
OverviewWhat is compartment syndrome?Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure rises in and around muscles. The pressure is painful and can be dangerous. Compartment syndrome can limit the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to muscles and nerves. It can cause serious damage and possible death. Show
Compartment syndrome occurs most often in the lower leg. But it can also impact other parts of the leg, as well as the feet, arms, hands, abdomen (belly) and buttocks. Are there different types of compartment syndrome?There are two kinds of compartment syndrome:
Symptoms and CausesWhat is a compartment?A compartment is a group of muscles, nerves and blood vessels. A thin but firm membrane (covering) called a fascia lies over each compartment. It keeps the muscles in place. But the fascia isn’t meant to stretch or expand much. What causes compartment syndrome?A serious injury or too much physical exertion can cause swelling or bleeding in a compartment. The fascia won’t expand to make room, so the swelling or bleeding puts pressure on the nerves and muscles. Healthcare providers call this compartmental pressure. If the pressure gets too high, the tissues can’t get enough blood, which contains oxygen and nutrients. The tissues can die, leading to permanent damage to the area. These complications can also threaten your life. What types of injuries can cause compartment syndrome?Examples of injuries that can cause compartment syndrome include:
Anabolic steroids can also cause compartment syndrome by increasing muscle size too quickly. Other causes include casts or large bandages that are too tight and worn for a while. What types of activities can cause exertional compartment syndrome?Chronic compartment syndrome can happen when a person overtrains (exercises too much). Sports with very repetitive movements pose a particular risk. Examples include:
What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?The symptoms of compartment syndrome can include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is compartment syndrome diagnosed?If you think you have acute compartment syndrome, go to an emergency room right away. It’s a medical emergency that needs treatment. If you think you have exertional compartment syndrome, call your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider will do a few things to diagnose compartment syndrome:
Management and TreatmentHow do you treat acute compartment syndrome?Acute compartment syndrome must get immediate treatment. A surgeon will perform an operation called a fasciotomy. To relieve pressure, the surgeon makes an incision (cut) through the skin and the fascia (compartment cover). After the swelling and pressure go away, the surgeon will close the incision. Sometimes that can’t happen right away. The surgeon may do a skin graft, taking skin from another area of your body to put over the incision. How do you treat exertional compartment syndrome?Exertional compartment syndrome usually goes away if you stop exercising. But you should still discuss it with your healthcare provider. Your provider may recommend:
If those options don’t work, fasciotomy may be an option. PreventionCan you prevent acute compartment syndrome?You can’t prevent acute compartment syndrome caused by an accident or injury. But you can seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. If you have a splint or cast that feels too tight, tell your healthcare provider. Pay particular attention if you’ve taken pain medication and that part of your body still hurts or swells. The cast or splint should get adjusted to prevent compartment syndrome. Can you prevent chronic compartment syndrome?You can prevent exertional compartment syndrome by:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat happens if you don’t treat acute compartment syndrome?Acute compartment syndrome needs immediate treatment. If the pressure isn’t relieved quickly, the condition can lead to:
Does compartment syndrome come back?Acute compartment treated with fasciotomy usually doesn’t come back. But chronic compartment syndrome can return if you start intense or repetitive exercise again. Living WithHow can you manage chronic compartment syndrome?Rest and changes to your exercise routine may help relieve exertional compartment syndrome. But symptoms may come back, especially if you return to intense or repetitive activity. Call your healthcare provider if pain gets worse over time or does not feel better with rest. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you think you have acute compartment syndrome after an injury, seek medical care immediately. Also talk to a healthcare provider if you have unusual pain, swelling or weakness in your muscles that keeps coming back. It may turn out to be tendinitis or shin splints, but you should check to make sure. It could be chronic compartment syndrome. A healthcare provider can suggest strategies to help you feel better and prevent damage to your nerves and muscles. Which emergency care actions are priority for a hospitalized client who develops an anaphylactic reaction after receiving an intravenous medication?Epinephrine — Epinephrine is the first and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, and it should be administered as soon as anaphylaxis is recognized to prevent the progression to life-threatening symptoms as described in the rapid overviews of the emergency management of anaphylaxis in adults (table 1) and children ...
Which action of a client with ankylosing spondylitis Would be beneficial in treatment?Physiotherapy is a very important part of the treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. A physiotherapist can put together a programme of exercises to improve your muscle strength and help you maintain mobility in your spine and other joints.
Which laboratory test would the nurse review for a client suspected to have rheumatoid arthritis?An anti-CCP test looks for those antibodies to determine whether the body is undergoing an inflammatory response. About 60 to 80 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for these antibodies, and this test may be able to pinpoint a diagnosis early in the disease's progression.
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