JL, a 50-year-old woman, fell and broke the left tibia at the ankle. She is in the emergency department, waiting for the fracture to be immobilized. The leg hurts and she notes that the ankle is red and swollen. A diagnosis of a simple fracture and sprain (damage to ligaments) is made. What is the rationale for immobilizing the fractured bone? Include in your explanation a discussion of why movement of the affected area is painful. She is told to come back to the fracture clinic in 24 hours to have her cast checked. What could happen to the inflamed tissue if the edema increases in the casted area? What warning signs and symptoms will you look for?

Phlebotomy Essentials
6th Edition
ISBN:9781451194524
Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Publisher:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Chapter1: Phlebotomy: Past And Present And The Healthcare Setting
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JL, a 50-year-old woman, fell and broke the left tibia at the ankle. She is in the emergency department, waiting for the fracture to be immobilized. The leg hurts and she notes that the ankle is red and swollen. A diagnosis of a simple fracture and sprain (damage to ligaments) is made.

  1. What is the rationale for immobilizing the fractured bone? Include in your explanation a discussion of why movement of the affected area is painful.
  2. She is told to come back to the fracture clinic in 24 hours to have her cast checked. What could happen to the inflamed tissue if the edema increases in the casted area? What warning signs and symptoms will you look for?
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