Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Fracture Complications (Fat Embolism, Infection) (Musculoskeletal) links fracture care, immobility, infection, neurovascular monitoring, and safe mobility to nursing judgment: recognize compartment syndrome, fat embolism, DVT/PE risk, septic joint and osteomyelitis, spinal cord injury deterioration, and post-op complications—and escalate when perfusion, airway, mentation, or systemic infection is threatened. US NCLEX-RN items often test compartment syndrome, fat embolism, neurovascular compromise, post-op VTE, prosthetic/joint infection, and safe mobility after orthopedic surgery. Pathway context (RN, United States). Continue with related lessons from the pathway lesson hub. Learning objectives - Integrate pain pattern, neurovascular checks, mobility status, vitals, labs, and wound findings to identify urgent orthopedic and rheumatologic complications. - Select nursing interventions and teaching aligned with orders, scope, therapy plans, and facility policy. - Communicate early when findings suggest compartment syndrome, uncontrolled hemorrhage, new neuro deficit, sepsis from bone or joint infection, or respiratory compromise after immobility or surgery.