title: Orthopedic trauma. Managing secondary medical problems.
abstract: Caring for the multiply injured orthopedic trauma patient is a challenge. Managing secondary medical problems associated with injury is enhanced when rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists, orthopedic advanced practice nurses, and the interdisciplinary team are consulted immediately following trauma. Educating the public on actions and behaviors that reduce the likelihood of accidents is an important role of the RN. Nurses play a key role in restoring the patient to the preinjury level of functioning or assisting the patient in adapting to temporary/permanent disability. Early intervention may result in shortened length of hospital stay, earlier return to work, restoration of family role function, and healthier psychologic and physical recovery. All RNs must be actively involved in educating the public on injury prevention, which includes teaching responsible behavior and the adverse effects of alcohol use.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA. lparsons@mtsu.edu
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Krau
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing