Alterations in Mobility Practice Flashcard 01

Front

A client presents with a closed fracture of the ulna. What is the defining characteristic of a closed (simple) fracture?

Back

Bone is broken but does not penetrate the skin

Answer explanation

A simple (closed) fracture occurs when the bone breaks but the skin remains intact, reducing infection risk.

Front

A client with a comminuted femur fracture is at greatest risk for which complication?

Back

Severe bleeding and neurovascular compromise

Answer explanation

Comminuted fractures involve shattered bone and increase the risk of vessel or nerve damage due to sharp fragments.

Front

What best describes a greenstick fracture commonly seen in children?

Back

One side of the bone is broken and the other is bent

Answer explanation

Greenstick fractures occur in pliable pediatric bones, where the bone bends and partially breaks.

Front

What is the priority action for a client with an open (compound) tibial fracture?

Back

Administer IV broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer explanation

Open fractures expose bone to air and bacteria, requiring immediate antibiotic therapy to prevent infection.

Front

Which statement best describes an oblique fracture? Options: Ligament tear without bone involvement, Bone is bent but not broken, A diagonal break across the bone shaft, Crack limited to outer cortex

Back

A diagonal break across the bone shaft

Answer explanation

Oblique fractures occur at an angle and are commonly caused by sharp angled forces or twisting injuries.

Front

What injury mechanism most likely causes a spiral fracture? Options: Twisting force, Bone is bent but not broken, Ligament tear without bone involvement, Bone is completely shattered

Back

Bone is bent but not broken

Answer explanation

Spiral fractures are caused by rotational forces and are red flags in suspected abuse cases.

Front

Which description matches a transverse fracture? Options: Bone is completely shattered, Ligament tear without bone involvement, Crack limited to outer cortex, A clean, horizontal break across the bone

Back

A clean, horizontal break across the bone

Answer explanation

Transverse fractures are perpendicular breaks caused by direct force to the bone.

Front

What defines an impacted fracture? Options: One bone end is driven into another, Bone is bent but not broken, Crack limited to outer cortex, Bone is completely shattered

Back

Crack limited to outer cortex

Answer explanation

Impacted fractures result from axial loading, such as falls from height or compression injuries.

Front

Which fracture type is associated with high risk of infection and requires surgical debridement? Options: Open (compound) fracture, Bone is completely shattered, Bone is bent but not broken, Ligament tear without bone involvement

Back

Open (compound) fracture

Answer explanation

Open fractures expose bone to external contaminants, often requiring antibiotics and surgery.

Front

Which fracture type typically occurs from repetitive stress, especially in athletes? Options: Stress fracture, Crack limited to outer cortex, Ligament tear without bone involvement, Bone is completely shattered

Back

Stress fracture

Answer explanation

Stress fractures are small cracks due to overuse and are common in runners and military recruits.