Nursing Assessment of Affected Extremity After Fasciotomy for Electrical Burn

Introduction

Electrical burns are a type of burn that is caused by electricity. Electrical burns can be very serious and can cause a variety of injuries, including muscle damage, nerve damage, and tissue damage.

Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to relieve pressure in a muscle compartment. Fasciotomy is often performed on patients with electrical burns to prevent muscle necrosis and compartment syndrome.

After a fasciotomy, it is important to carefully assess the affected extremity to monitor for complications.

Nursing Assessment of Affected Extremity After Fasciotomy

The nurse should assess the affected extremity after a fasciotomy for the following:

• Color: The nurse should assess the color of the affected extremity. The extremity should be pale pink and warm. If the extremity is red, purple, or cold, it may be a sign of impaired circulation.
• Sensation: The nurse should assess the sensation of the affected extremity. The patient should be able to feel light touch and pinprick. If the patient has decreased or absent sensation, it may be a sign of nerve damage.
• Movement: The nurse should assess the movement of the affected extremity. The patient should be able to move all of the muscles in the extremity. If the patient has limited or absent movement, it may be a sign of muscle damage.
• Capillary refill: The nurse should assess the capillary refill of the affected extremity. Capillary refill should be less than 3 seconds. If the capillary refill is greater than 3 seconds, it may be a sign of impaired circulation.
• Pain: The nurse should assess the patient’s pain level. The patient should be able to tolerate the pain with medication. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, it may be a sign of complications, such as infection or compartment syndrome.

Additional Assessment Considerations

In addition to the above, the nurse should also assess the affected extremity for the following:

• Swelling: The nurse should assess the swelling of the affected extremity. Swelling is normal after a fasciotomy, but it should not be excessive. If the swelling is increasing, it may be a sign of infection or compartment syndrome.
• Wounds: The nurse should inspect the wounds for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.
• Dressings: The nurse should inspect the dressings for any signs of blood or drainage.
• Vital signs: The nurse should monitor the patient’s vital signs for any signs of infection, such as fever or tachycardia.

Conclusion

It is important to carefully assess the affected extremity after a fasciotomy to monitor for complications. The nurse should assess the color, sensation, movement, capillary refill, and pain of the affected extremity. The nurse should also assess the extremity for swelling, wounds, dressings, and vital signs.