Nursing Care for Patients with Postoperative External Fixation of Fractured Leg Bones Transported by Fixed-Wing Aircraft: A Case Study

Abstract

Patients with post-surgical fractures with external fixation devices, who are transported using fixed-wing aircraft, must inevitably confront various symptoms, treatment effects, and risks associated with air transport. Therefore, the approach to care aims to prevent postoperative complications, mitigate the effects of air transport, and ensure the safe transfer of patients to their destination. This article presents the role of nurses in managing patients with fractured bones with external fixation and are being transported by fixed-wing aircraft. The nursing process, encompassing five stages starting from assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation is integrated with Gordon's eleven health patterns framework. The study identified three key nursing issues encountered during air transport: 1) the presence of pain in the left leg following the Left Popliteal Artery Repair with Medial Fasciotomy and External Fixation from Femur to Tibia, 2) the risk of displacement of the external fixation device due to frequent patient movement and 3) the potential for complications arising from air transport. The findings revealed that, following appropriate nursing interventions tailored to each identified issue, the pain in the left leg was reduced from a pain score of 6 to 2. Importantly, there were no indications or symptoms of dislodgment of the external fixation device, nor were there complications resulting from the air transport. This study underscores the significance of providing close and appropriate care for patients during air transport to facilitate their effective and safe recovery.