A client with a fracture expresses concern, saying, "I'm afraid my bone won't heal properly." How should the nurse respond to address the client's concerns?

Choice A rationale:

Don't worry; bones always heal perfectly.

Rationale: This response is overly reassuring and not entirely accurate.

While bones have the potential to heal well, they may not always heal perfectly, and it's important to monitor the healing process to ensure proper alignment.

Choice B rationale:

We'll monitor your bone healing closely to ensure it aligns correctly.

Rationale: This is the correct response.

It acknowledges the client's concern and provides assurance that the healthcare team will closely monitor the bone healing process to ensure that it aligns correctly.

This response promotes open communication and patient-centered care.

Choice C rationale:

Fractures often heal with some degree of deformity; it's normal.

Rationale: This response may unnecessarily raise concerns for the client.

While some fractures may result in slight deformities during the healing process, it's not appropriate to label this as "normal" without assessing the specific fracture and its potential outcomes.

Choice D rationale:

Proper nutrition doesn't really affect bone healing.

Rationale: This response is inaccurate.

Proper nutrition plays a significant role in bone healing, and it's essential for the nurse to educate the client about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to support the healing process.

Choice A rationale:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.

While compression fractures of the vertebrae can result from osteoporosis, they are not directly associated with osteoarthritis.

Therefore, choice A is not the correct answer.

Choice B rationale:

Osteoporosis is often associated with compression fractures of the vertebrae.

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density and strength, making the bones more prone to fractures, especially in the spine.

Compression fractures in the vertebrae can occur due to the weakened bone structure in individuals with osteoporosis, and they are a common complication of this condition.

Choice C rationale:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing synovitis, joint pain, and joint deformities.

It is not directly associated with compression fractures of the vertebrae, which are typically related to bone density issues like osteoporosis.

Choice D rationale:

Greenstick fractures are incomplete fractures seen in children and adolescents, typically involving long bones.

They are not typically associated with compression fractures of the vertebrae, which are more commonly linked to osteoporosis.

Questions