Zachary is undergoing an ORIF for a broken leg. He asks you to explain it to him
a. What type of surgery is this procedure and what does it entail?
b. What types of injuries require this type of surgical procedure?
c. What nursing management is involved?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. ORIF stands for open reduction internal fixation.
Open reduction is done when the bone of a fracture is exposed and needs to be realigned. This may be done instead of an internal fixation.
Internal fixation is done to stabilize the fracture with metal screws, plates, rods, pins, or nails.
A cast may be applied.
b. This is done on cases where the bone is widely separated, open fractures are evident, wound debridement may be necessary, comminuted fractures are present, or soft tissues with nerves or blood vessels may be involved.
c. Postoperative care includes dressing changes, elevation of extremity, proper turning and positioning along with hygiene and bathing, as well as cast care.
Teaching for client includes safely turning, not using items to put down the cast to scratch, keeping the cast dry, and elevating the extremity.
Using mobility aids if necessary, taking pain meds as ordered, and applying ice as needed are also in the teaching discharge instructions.
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