Which complication of fractures requires immediate medical attention?

Before moving or handling the affected limb, the nurse must assess for any signs of neurovascular compromise, such as changes in pulses, capillary refill, sensation, and motor function. This assessment helps identify potential vascular or nerve injuries and guides appropriate care to prevent complications.

a. Explaining the importance of immobilization to the patient is important but is not directly related to assessing for neurovascular compromise before moving the limb.

b. Applying a splint or cast to the affected limb is typically done after the initial assessment and diagnosis of the fracture, not before handling the limb.

d. Administering analgesics for pain relief is important, but it does not directly relate to assessing for neurovascular compromise before moving the limb.

Closed reduction is a non-surgical procedure used to manually realign the fractured bone to its normal position without making an incision. It is often followed by cast immobilization or other forms of stabilization.

a. To surgically realign the fractured bone: Surgical realignment is typically performed through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), not closed reduction.
b. To stabilize the fracture with internal fixation: Internal fixation involves the use of screws, plates, or rods to stabilize fractures, and it is not part of the closed reduction procedure.
c. To immobilize the fractured bone with a cast: Immobilization with a cast may follow closed reduction, but it is not the primary goal of the reduction procedure itself.