A patient is admitted to the orthopedic unit with a fractured femur after a motorcycle accident. The patient has been placed in traction until his femur can be rodded in surgery
For what early complications should the nurse monitor this patient? Select all that apply.
A) Systemic infection
B) Complex regional pain syndrome
C) Deep vein thrombosis
D) Compartment syndrome
E) Fat embolism
Ans: C, D, E
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Early complications include shock, fat embolism, compartment syndrome, and venous thromboemboli (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE]). Infection and CRPS are later complications of fractures.
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