1PATIENT CARE
After a motor vehicle accident, three victims have come to the Emergency Department
and all of them needs radiograph. Dave Black has sustained abrasions in the right le, Paul White
has dislocated his shoulder and the driver of the care, Mary Green has a painful sternum.
Although all the three patients need urgent medical attention, however Mr. Paul White’s injury
would be a major concern as displacement of his left shoulder would lead to major
complications. Displacement of shoulders or shoulder dislocation might have occurred due to
direct blow to the shoulder due to motor vehicle collision. This may lead to feelings of pain,
swelling, bruising, inability to move the shoulder and deformity in the affected region (Abrams
& Akbarnia, 2017). Hence, paying attention to this patient is necessary to avoid complications
and disability.
Mary Green did not show direct symptom of fractures, but he complained of a painful
sternum. However, a painful sternum is not a major concern as it can heal with time and it may
not lead to any deformity. The healing of the painful sternum can be enhanced by interventions
like applying ice packs, giving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and restricting movement
and lifting of heavy objects for few weeks (Yoo, 2017, pp. 1706-1707.). In contrast, in case of
Mr. Paul, a dislocated shoulder would lead to complications like tearing of the muscles, nerve or
blood vessel damage around the shoulder joint and severe dislocation and chances of repeated
dislocations or reinjury. Shoulder dislocation may be of three types such as posterior, anterior
and inferior dislocations. Anterior dislocations lead to avascular necrosis, subacute dislocations
and neurovascular compromise. Posterior dislocation can lead to multiple dislocation and inferior
dislocation can increase possibility of vascular injury (Brogan, Baxter & Tennent, 2018, pp. 153-
158.). Hence, management of Dave Black, the patient with dislocated shoulder should be
prioritized because of the possibility of above mentioned complications.

+13062052269

info@desklib.com

Patient Care

Contribute Materials

Related Documents

Nursing Definitions | - International Council of Nurses