Which type of fracture occurs when the bone is crushed and shattered into multiple fragments?

In a patient with an open fracture (compound fracture), there is a risk of infection due to the exposure of the bone to the external environment. The nurse should assess for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, and increased pain at the fracture site.

a. Assessing joint range of motion is important, but it is not the priority in a patient with an open fracture, where preventing infection is the main concern.
b. Assessing neurological function in the unaffected limb is not directly related to the open fracture and may not be the priority at this time.
d. Assessing the quality of pain experienced by the patient is important for pain management but is not the priority over assessing for signs of infection in an open fracture.

A compression fracture is commonly seen in osteoporotic bones, especially in older adults, due to decreased bone density and strength. It occurs when the bone is compressed and collapses, often resulting from a fall or minor trauma.

b. Avulsion fracture: An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is torn away from the main bone due to the pull of a ligament or tendon. It can happen in individuals of all ages.
c. Greenstick fracture: A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture seen in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks on one side but remains intact on the other side.
d. Impacted fracture: An impacted fracture occurs when the broken ends of the bone are driven into each other, often seen in long bones like the femur or humerus. It can occur in individuals of all ages.