** .A nurse is caring for a client with a compression fracture of the vertebrae.
What condition is often associated with this type of fracture?

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:

Responding with "That's a closed fracture" would be incorrect because the client's statement indicates an incomplete fracture, specifically a greenstick fracture.

Greenstick fractures are incomplete fractures where the bone bends but does not break completely.

They are different from closed fractures, which involve a complete break in the bone without an open wound.

Choice B rationale:

"You may need surgery for this fracture" is not the most appropriate response in this context.

While some greenstick fractures may require surgery, the client's statement is primarily seeking clarification about the nature of the fracture.

Surgery is not the immediate concern.

Choice C rationale:

"It's common to have bruising with this fracture" would be an inaccurate response because greenstick fractures typically do not result in significant bruising.

Bruising is more common in fractures with greater displacement or soft tissue injury.

Greenstick fractures are often associated with minimal or no bruising.

Choice D rationale:

"You're correct; it's an incomplete fracture" is the most appropriate nursing response.

This response validates the client's understanding of the fracture and provides accurate information.

Greenstick fractures are indeed incomplete fractures where the bone is bent but not completely broken.