Which lifestyle factor is associated with an increased risk of fractures?

: Educating the patient about signs of neurovascular compromise, such as changes in sensation, color, or temperature of the limb, is essential to ensure early detection of potential complications and timely intervention.

a. Encouraging the patient to bear full weight on the cast immediately is not recommended, as weight-bearing should follow the healthcare provider's instructions, which may involve partial weight-bearing initially.
b. Instructing the patient to elevate the casted limb above the heart can help reduce swelling but may not be the primary focus of discharge teaching for a newly applied cast.
c. Advising the patient to use a heating pad on the cast to relieve discomfort is not recommended, as excessive heat can damage the cast and increase the risk of skin irritation.

Hypertrophic nonunion occurs when there is excessive callus formation at the fracture site, but the bone ends fail to unite. This can lead to persistent pain and limited function.

a. Nonunion: Nonunion occurs when the fractured bone fails to heal and fuse together, but it does not involve excessive callus formation.
b. Malunion: Malunion refers to a fracture that heals in an incorrect position or alignment, and it is not directly related to excessive callus formation.
c. Delayed union: Delayed union refers to a fracture that takes longer than usual to heal, and it is not specifically characterized by excessive callus formation.