Take care to avoid hyperextension at the elbow, which may cause traction and potential injury to neurovascular structures around the elbow. Emergent orthopedic consultation should be sought for all patients with elbow dislocations. Vascular surgery consultation may be needed in patients with possible vascular injury. Analgesics - Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and aids physical therapy regimens.
Many analgesics have sedating properties that benefit patients who have sustained injuries.
DOC for conscious sedation analgesia. Easily and quickly reversed by naloxone. After initial dose, subsequent doses should not be titrated more frequently than q3h or q6h. DOC for aspirin-hypersensitive patients. Anxiolytics - Patients with painful injuries usually experience significant anxiety.