Nokea
A patient in Russell traction with a Pearson attachment for a fracture of the tibia complains of intense pain at the fracture site. The nurse assesses a temperature of 102° F and increased swelling at the fracture site. Which complication do these findings suggest?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Osteomyelitis. The combination of intense pain, increased swelling, elevated temperature, and presence of traction indicates an infection in the bone, suggesting osteomyelitis. This serious complication requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
Incorrect choices:
B: Fat embolism - This typically presents with respiratory distress, petechiae, and neurological changes, not with localized pain and swelling.
C: Traction misalignment - This would cause a change in the alignment of the fracture but would not typically present with fever and localized signs of infection.
D: Nonunion of the fracture - Nonunion is a failure of the bone to heal, which would not typically present with the acute signs of infection seen in this case.