Musculoskeletal trauma: implications for critical care nursing practice

The majority of trauma patients experience significant musculoskeletal injury (MSI). The patient who has developed complications related to orthopaedic trauma--such as compartment syndrome, fat embolus syndrome, and crush injury--requires astute nursing assessment. A thorough understanding of trauma pathophysiology and the pathogenesis of MSI pain will assist the nursing practitioner to anticipate physiologic needs, allowing a greater range of nursing process intervention.