A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of right knee pain after being knocked down while playing basketball
The exam reveals the patient experiences difficulty when stepping down on the right leg due to acute pain around the knee and slight swelling of the right knee. What should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?
1. The patient will be sent home with instructions to use ice for one week.
2. The patient will be admitted to the hospital and seen by an orthopedic specialist.
3. The patient will be scheduled to see an orthopedic physician and a tentative appointment for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
4. The patient will be admitted to the hospital and scheduled for exploratory surgery.
Correct Answer: 3
This injury would not be considered an emergency if alterations in sensation, perfusion, and movement of the leg are present. Since these changes are not noted on assessment, hospitalization or surgery would not be indicated. The possible injury to the knee (likely cartilage injury) will be evaluated by a specialist and a decision will be made regarding the need for the MRI. An MRI would evaluate tears of a ligament or cartilage.
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