Approach to the Critical Patient

Immediate priorities

Initial stabilization

Limb threat screen

Neurovascular threat

Open fracture pathway

Open injury risk

Consultation and transfer triggers

Escalation triggers

History

Injury context

Mechanism and timing

Functional baseline and risks

Patient factors

Red flags and associated injury mapping

Limb threat symptoms

Associated injuries

Physical Exam

General and local exam

Global assessment

Arm inspection and palpation

Neurovascular exam

Distal perfusion

Nerve exam focus

Joint above and below

Shoulder and elbow evaluation

PITFALLS

Common misses

Differential Diagnosis

Traumatic mimics and co-injuries

Upper arm pain and deformity causes

Limb threatening diagnoses

Time critical complications

Laboratory Tests

Minimal labs for isolated closed fracture

Selective testing

Labs for operative pathway or complications

Pre procedural or operative considerations

Infection and open fracture context

Open injury labs

Diagnostic Tests

Scoring Systems

Classification frameworks

Radiographs

Plain film evaluation

MRI

Soft tissue and occult pathways

CT

Advanced imaging indications

Disposition

ED disposition criteria

Discharge pathway

Admission or transfer pathway

Follow up timing

Orthopedics follow up expectations

Treatment

Immediate life-saving interventions

Time critical actions

Immobilization and Splinting

Immobilization strategy

Reduction

Alignment and skin threat management

Open fracture medications and timing

Infection prevention bundle

DVT prophylaxis when relevant

Thrombosis prevention considerations

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy considerations

Geriatric

Older adult considerations

Pediatrics

Pediatric considerations

Background

Epidemiology

Population patterns

Pathophysiology

Biomechanics and anatomy

Therapeutic Considerations

Management rationale

Patient Discharge Instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Home care and follow up

References

Clinical guidelines and evidence sources

Core references

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.