A type of fracture in which one fragment of the bone goes into another is called

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

An impacted fracture occurs when a compressive force causes the broken ends of a bone to be driven into each other.
This mechanism matches the question's description of 'one fragment of the bone goes into another'.
This type of fracture is also known as a compaction fracture and often results in shortening of the affected bone.

Option A: A spiral fracture is caused by a twisting or rotational force, resulting in a spiral-shaped break along the bone's axis.
Option B: A transverse fracture is a straight break across the bone, perpendicular to its long axis, typically caused by a direct blow.
Option C: An oblique fracture line runs at a diagonal angle to the bone's long axis, often resulting from a bending or angulated force.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of bone fractures based on their pattern as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing fracture patterns is crucial for nurses as it helps anticipate the type of treatment (e.g., casting, traction, surgery), potential for instability, and risk of complications like neurovascular damage or compartment syndrome.
Impacted fractures, especially in weight-bearing bones like the femur or tibia, can lead to limb shortening and long-term joint issues if not managed correctly.
What if? If the patient were a child and the fracture occurred at the end of a long bone with only a slight buckle in the cortex, it would be classified as a torus or buckle fracture, a specific type of stable impacted fracture common in pediatrics.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, carefully read the definition provided in the question stem: 'one fragment of the bone goes into another'.
Analyze the term 'goes into another', which implies a compressive or driving force.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Recall or deduce that 'impacted' means driven together with force, which directly matches the description.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their definitions: spiral (twisting), transverse (straight across), and oblique (diagonal).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 2086-2088

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.