K.N.O.W. Home Health - DISLOCATIONS

PATIENT EDUCATION: DISLOCATION INJURIES

Understanding Dislocation Injuries

What it is: A dislocation happens when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint. This can cause pain, swelling, and loss of movement.
Types of dislocation injury:
- Shoulder dislocation – common in sports or falls.
- Elbow, finger, hip, knee, or jaw dislocations – can happen with accidents or trauma.
Location and severity: Dislocations can occur in any joint. Severity can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on how far the bone is out of place and whether ligaments or blood vessels are damaged.
Cause/risk factors:
- Falls, accidents, sports injuries, or sudden twists of the joint.
- Previous dislocations increase the risk of recurring injuries.

Symptoms to Watch For

Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity of the joint.
Difficulty moving the affected limb.
Signs of infection: Only applies if there is an open wound (redness spreading, warmth, pus, fever).
Delayed complications: Joint instability, stiffness, or arthritis later on.

Post-Hospitalization Information

Follow up with your doctor or orthopedic specialist.
Attend appointments for X-rays or check-ups to make sure the joint is healing correctly.

Home Management & Recovery

Pain management: Take medications as prescribed to control pain and inflammation.
Mobility: Avoid using the joint until cleared by your doctor. Use slings, braces, or supports as directed.
Wound care: If there was a cut during the dislocation, keep it clean and dry. Follow your physician’s orders and contact home health or your doctor if it looks infected.
Rest and rehabilitation: Allow time for healing. Gentle exercises or physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility.

Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention: Wash hands before touching any wounds, keep dressings clean, avoid contaminated water.
Fall prevention: Remove trip hazards, use handrails, ensure proper lighting.
Monitoring for delayed symptoms: Watch for swelling, pain, numbness, or changes in skin color, and report these promptly.

When to Contact Home Health vs ER

Call home health or doctor: Mild pain, questions about joint exercises, minor swelling, or dressing care.
Go to the ER immediately: Severe pain, inability to move the joint, visible deformity, open wounds, numbness, tingling, pale or bluish skin, or sudden swelling.

Patient Homework/Assessment: Dislocation Injuries (20 True/False)

TRUE or FALSE: A dislocation is when a bone moves out of its normal joint.
TRUE or FALSE: Only the shoulder can be dislocated.
TRUE or FALSE: Elbows, fingers, hips, knees, and jaws can also be dislocated.
TRUE or FALSE: Dislocations can cause severe pain and swelling.
TRUE or FALSE: Mild dislocations never need medical attention.
TRUE or FALSE: Difficulty moving the joint is a common symptom.
TRUE or FALSE: Previous dislocations increase the risk of future dislocations.
TRUE or FALSE: Only open wounds can become infected after a dislocation.
TRUE or FALSE: Joint instability or stiffness can happen later if a dislocation is not treated properly.
TRUE or FALSE: Pain medications should be taken as prescribed.
TRUE or FALSE: You can start moving a dislocated joint immediately after treatment.
TRUE or FALSE: Slings, braces, or supports help protect the joint during healing.
TRUE or FALSE: Keeping a wound clean and dry prevents infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Physical therapy may be recommended to restore joint strength and flexibility.
TRUE or FALSE: Removing trip hazards at home helps prevent future injuries.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe swelling, numbness, or skin color changes should be reported promptly.
TRUE or FALSE: Home health nurses can answer questions about exercises and care.
TRUE or FALSE: A dislocated joint can always be treated at home without medical help.
TRUE or FALSE: Sudden swelling or pale/blue skin requires immediate ER care.
TRUE or FALSE: Dislocations never cause long-term problems if treated properly.

Answer Key with Explanations

TRUE – Dislocation means the bone is out of its normal position in the joint.
FALSE – Many joints can be dislocated, not just the shoulder.
TRUE – Dislocations can occur in various joints.
TRUE – Severe pain and swelling are common signs.
FALSE – All dislocations need medical attention to prevent complications.
TRUE – Difficulty moving the joint is typical after a dislocation.
TRUE – Previous dislocations weaken the joint and increase risk.
TRUE – Infection risk applies if the dislocation caused an open wound.
TRUE – Improper treatment can lead to stiffness or instability.
TRUE – Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed.
FALSE – The joint should not be moved until cleared by a doctor.
TRUE – Supports protect the joint during healing.
TRUE – Proper wound care reduces infection risk.
TRUE – Rehab exercises restore strength and mobility.
TRUE – Fall prevention reduces risk of re-injury.
TRUE – These are warning signs that require prompt reporting.
TRUE – Nurses can provide guidance and support.
FALSE – Medical attention is essential for safe healing.
TRUE – These are emergencies and require ER care.
TRUE – Proper treatment usually prevents long-term problems.