The nurse would be most alert for assessment findings of osteomyelitis in which patients? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply
1. The patient with a compound fracture
2. A patient who required open reduction of a fractured ankle
3. A patient who has a spiral fracture
4. A patient whose fractured radius was repaired with an external fixator device
5. A patient who has a torn anterior cruciate ligament
1,2,4
Rationale 1: Because the skin integrity has been interrupted, patients who have a compound fracture are at risk for development of osteomyelitis.
Rationale 2: Patients who have open orthopedic procedures are at risk for development of osteomyelitis.
Rationale 3: A spiral fracture does not increase risk for osteomyelitis.
Rationale 4: Because the external fixator device requires that pins be attached both to the bone and to an external frame, the patient is at risk for osteomyelitis.
Rationale 5: Tearing a ligament does not increase the risk for osteomyelitis.
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