Fractures can have many complications; for a distal radial fracture they include acute carpal tunnel syndrome, malunion, and compartment syndrome (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015). According to Hockenberry and Wilson (2015), acute carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is damage to the median nerve from nerve compression. This damage can happen anywhere between the time of the actual injury all the way to after the casting of it (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1573).
According to Desia (2018), classic symptoms that will present are pain and weakness in the hand. Other symptoms of it can be a burning sensation, limited range of motion, and altered sensation (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1573). From these symptoms it is clear that the child’s activities of daily living can be affected (Hockenberry ; Wilson, 2015, p.1573). It is important to understand that the child may be afraid of pain taking place during the assessment of the fracture, so play can be utilized to encourage the child’s cooperation (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1573).
The nurse should perform sensory and motor strength testing to determine whether there is neurologic involvement, but it is also worth noting that the results from these tests may also indicate ischemia that will need to be corrected (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1573). The treatment for median nerve compression is to alleviate the pressure on the nerve by repairing the alignment or through surgery when necessary (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2015, p.1573).
