Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which splint is appropriate for a tibia/fibula shaft fracture?
Which splint is appropriate for a tibia/fibula shaft fracture?
What should be done if a traction splint delays transfer?
What should be done if a traction splint delays transfer?
Which splint is NOT suitable for a femoral fracture?
Which splint is NOT suitable for a femoral fracture?
Which statement is true regarding patella dislocation?
Which statement is true regarding patella dislocation?
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Which splint would be appropriate for a clavicle injury?
Which splint would be appropriate for a clavicle injury?
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What distinguishes a closed fracture from an open fracture?
What distinguishes a closed fracture from an open fracture?
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What condition can lead to a pathological fracture in older individuals?
What condition can lead to a pathological fracture in older individuals?
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Which of the following best describes a dislocation?
Which of the following best describes a dislocation?
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Which statement is true about sprains?
Which statement is true about sprains?
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What should be assumed when a sprain is suspected in the pre-hospital setting?
What should be assumed when a sprain is suspected in the pre-hospital setting?
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What defines a strain?
What defines a strain?
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Which of the following factors is least likely to contribute to pathological fractures?
Which of the following factors is least likely to contribute to pathological fractures?
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What is a common consequence of a dislocation?
What is a common consequence of a dislocation?
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What is the correct method for transporting an amputated body part?
What is the correct method for transporting an amputated body part?
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What should NOT be done when managing a grossly contaminated wound?
What should NOT be done when managing a grossly contaminated wound?
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Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom typically associated with musculoskeletal injuries?
Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom typically associated with musculoskeletal injuries?
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In the treatment of partial amputations, what should be done to the limb?
In the treatment of partial amputations, what should be done to the limb?
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Which condition defines a fracture?
Which condition defines a fracture?
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When managing pain for a patient with serious injuries, what is recommended if further pain management is needed?
When managing pain for a patient with serious injuries, what is recommended if further pain management is needed?
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What is a common misconception regarding the treatment of amputations?
What is a common misconception regarding the treatment of amputations?
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What should the primary goal be when managing an injured limb after a partial amputation?
What should the primary goal be when managing an injured limb after a partial amputation?
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What are the primary aspects assessed under the ABCDE method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?
What are the primary aspects assessed under the ABCDE method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?
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Which of the following is NOT included in the six ‘P’s of ischaemia?
Which of the following is NOT included in the six ‘P’s of ischaemia?
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What is the purpose of immobilising the joints above and below a fracture?
What is the purpose of immobilising the joints above and below a fracture?
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What initial step should be taken if time-critical features are identified in a musculoskeletal injury?
What initial step should be taken if time-critical features are identified in a musculoskeletal injury?
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Which treatment is recommended for strains and sprains?
Which treatment is recommended for strains and sprains?
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What should be assessed using the MSC method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?
What should be assessed using the MSC method in managing musculoskeletal injuries?
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What is a potential complication of splinting a limb injury?
What is a potential complication of splinting a limb injury?
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What is a sign of compromised blood flow to a limb during assessment?
What is a sign of compromised blood flow to a limb during assessment?
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What is the typical volume of blood loss associated with mid shaft femoral fractures?
What is the typical volume of blood loss associated with mid shaft femoral fractures?
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Which of the following is NOT a complication of musculoskeletal injuries?
Which of the following is NOT a complication of musculoskeletal injuries?
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What is the primary purpose of splinting in the management of musculoskeletal injuries?
What is the primary purpose of splinting in the management of musculoskeletal injuries?
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When dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, what critical aspect should not be overlooked?
When dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, what critical aspect should not be overlooked?
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In cases of pelvic fractures, what is the expected minimum blood loss?
In cases of pelvic fractures, what is the expected minimum blood loss?
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Study Notes
Airway and Breathing Considerations
- Airway obstruction and compromised breathing require immediate attention, especially in cases of spinal injury.
- Always remember the C A c B C’s approach in emergency care: Circulation, Airway, Breathing, and Consciousness.
Musculoskeletal Injuries Overview
- Common types of musculoskeletal injuries include:
- Amputations and partial amputations
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations (joint separations)
- Strains (muscle/tendon injuries)
- Sprains (ligament injuries)
Management of Amputations
- Proper handling of amputated parts is critical:
- Remove gross contamination and cover with a moist dressing.
- Place in a sealed plastic bag and set on ice without direct contact to prevent tissue damage.
- Patient care involves:
- Immobilizing the limb in anatomical alignment.
- Using occlusive dressings to minimize contamination.
- Assessing for pain and providing management as needed.
Fractures
- A fracture is defined as a break in a bone, often caused by high kinetic energy impact.
- Signs of fractures include:
- Pain and swelling
- Erythema (redness)
- Visible deformity of the limb.
Types of Fractures
- Closed Fracture: Also known as simple fractures, no puncture to the skin occurs.
- Compound Fracture (Open): Characterized by bone piercing through the skin.
- Pathological Fractures: May occur from minor trauma in older adults or individuals with underlying diseases like osteoporosis.
Dislocations
- Defined as the abnormal separation of joint surfaces, potentially accompanied by fractures.
- Muscle spasms may cause the joint to lock in place.
Sprains and Strains
- Sprains: Damages to ligaments, ranging from partial to complete tears.
- Strains: Involves stretching or tearing of muscle fibers or tendons.
- In pre-hospital settings, treat suspected sprains as fractures; immobilize accordingly.
Basic Management Principles
- Conduct an ABCDE assessment to identify any time-critical features.
- Address life-threatening issues first and refer to major trauma protocols if necessary.
- Continuously assess limb motor, sensory, and circulation (MSC) integrity.
Ischaemia Assessment
- Recognize the six 'P's:
- Pain not relieved by splinting
- Pallor indicating compromised blood flow
- Paralysis indicating loss of movement
- Paraesthesia (changes in sensation)
- Pulselessness indicating loss of circulation
- Perishing coldness of the limb.
Role of Splinting
- Splinting effectively reduces:
- Pain and risk of hemorrhage
- Further damage to surrounding tissues
- Risk of fat embolism and muscle spasms.
Splinting for Common Injuries
- Specific injuries require tailored splinting techniques, e.g.:
- Mid shaft femoral #: Kendrick traction splint.
- Tibia/Fibula # or ankle #: long leg box or vacuum splint.
- Clavicle: self-splintage.
Time-Critical Considerations
- Mid shaft femoral fractures can result in blood loss of 500-2000mls.
- Prompt intervention is crucial, especially for pelvic fractures potentially leading to significant blood loss.
Complications of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Risks include internal bleeding, nerve or muscle damage, infections, loss of tissue, long-term disability, and compartment syndrome.
Summary for Patient Care
- Patients may experience significant pain; splinting can mitigate blood loss and discomfort.
- Maintain awareness of less visible but life-threatening injuries while managing musculoskeletal issues.
- Evaluate the need for advanced pain management guidance throughout patient care.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the management of musculoskeletal injuries covering assessment techniques and time-critical features. This quiz will guide you through the ABCDE method and important considerations for patient transfer. Perfect for clinical education students and professionals.