COMPLICATIONS ASSESSMENT INTERVENTIONS

Fat embolism syndrome Restlessness, mental Notify physician ASAP

(Originates bone marrow; status changes, Treat symptoms as
after a fracture; long bone tachycardia, tachypnea, prescribed to prevent
fractures; 72H) dyspnea, petechial rashes respiratory failure and
over upper chest and neck death

Compartment syndrome Unrelieved or increased Notify physician ASAP

(INCREASED pain, swelling, pain with Treat symptoms as
PRESSURE within one massive motion, inability prescribed to prevent
or more compartments; to move joints, respiratory failure and
decreased perfusion and paresthesia, pulselessness death
tissue anoxia; 4-6 H after
onset; neuromuscular
damage irreversible if not
treated

Infection and Fever, pain, erythema, Notify

Osteomyelitis tachycardia, elevated Aggressive IV antibiotic
WBC therapy

Avascular necrosis Pain Notify

(interruption in blood Decreased sensation Prepare for removal of
supply to the body tissue necrotic tissue
= death of bone)

Pulmonary embolism Restlessness and Notify

(immobility precipitated apprehension Prepare anticoagulant
by a fracture) Dyspnea and chest pain therapy
Diaphoresis
ABG changes