Which type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks straight across its long axis?

Severe pain, pallor (pale skin color), and loss of pulses distal to the fracture are concerning signs of compartment syndrome, a serious complication that requires immediate medical intervention.

a. Bruising and discoloration at the fracture site: Bruising and discoloration are common signs of inflammation and injury at the fracture site but are not specific to compartment syndrome.
b. Mild pain and swelling in the affected limb: Mild pain and swelling are expected with a fracture but do not raise immediate concerns for compartment syndrome.
c. Prolonged capillary refill distal to the fracture: Prolonged capillary refill time may indicate reduced blood flow but is not as concerning as the combination of severe pain, pallor, and loss of pulses seen in compartment syndrome.

In a patient with an open fracture (compound fracture), there is a risk of infection due to the exposure of the bone to the external environment. The nurse should assess for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, and increased pain at the fracture site.

a. Assessing joint range of motion is important, but it is not the priority in a patient with an open fracture, where preventing infection is the main concern.
b. Assessing neurological function in the unaffected limb is not directly related to the open fracture and may not be the priority at this time.
d. Assessing the quality of pain experienced by the patient is important for pain management but is not the priority over assessing for signs of infection in an open fracture.