A patient in Russell's traction with a Pearson attachment for a fracture of the tibia complains of intense pain at the fracture site. The nurse assesses a temperature of 102° F and increased swel-ling at the fracture site. These assessment findings suggest:
a. osteomyelitis.
b. fat embolism.
c. traction misalignment.
d. nonunion of the fracture.
A
Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection of the bone. The causative organism is most often Staphy-lococcus aureus, which enters the bloodstream from a distant focus of infection, such as a boil or furuncle, or from an open wound, as in an open (compound) fracture. It is usually found in the tibia or fibula, in vertebrae, or at the site of a prosthesis. Osteomyelitis has a sudden onset with severe pain and marked tenderness at the site, high fever with chills, swelling of adjacent soft parts, headache, and malaise.
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