ONC case studies
ONC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Orthopaedic Nurse Certified (ONC) credential is a specialty nursing certification offered by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB). ONCB describes ONC as a program built "for nurses by nurses based on analysis of real orthopaedic nurses' practice," and states that the credential is recognized by colleagues and employers as a mark of excellence showing that a nurse is educated, engaged, and committed to delivering high-quality care to orthopaedic patients. The ONC case studies are 5 cases and about 3,172 words.
1Escalating Leg Pain After Tibial Nailing: Block, Compartment, or Both?
R, 38, is 18 hours post intramedullary nailing of a closed tibial shaft fracture after a motorcycle crash. He has an adductor canal block infusing ropivacaine 0.2% at 8 mL/h plus an IV hydromorphone PCA.
710 words, about 4 min2New Bilateral Leg Weakness on Postoperative Night One
L, 61, is 8 hours after L4-L5 laminectomy, decompression, and instrumented posterolateral fusion. Preoperatively she had neurogenic claudication and 4/5 right extensor hallucis longus strength.
622 words, about 3 min3A Pink Hand with No Pulse: Pediatric Supracondylar Fracture
Mateo, 6, fell from the monkey bars and has a type III displaced supracondylar humerus fracture. In the emergency department his right hand is pink and warm with capillary refill of 2 seconds and SpO2 99%, but the radial pulse is not palpable and the Doppler signal is absent.
634 words, about 3 min4Hip Fracture on Apixaban: Timing, Anesthesia, and Shared Decisions
K, 82, fell at home and has a displaced femoral neck fracture. She takes apixaban 5 mg twice daily for atrial fibrillation, and the last dose was 14 hours ago.
618 words, about 3 min5A Hot Knee on Immunosuppression: Flare, Gout, or Infection?
D, 58, has seropositive rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate 20 mg weekly, prednisone 10 mg daily, and adalimumab. She presents with a 30-hour history of a hot, swollen right knee that began without injury.
588 words, about 3 min