211k views
0 votes
What term should you look up when coding a wrist fracture?

A) Pain
B) Wrist
C) Swelling
D) Fracture

User Sqwerl
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

When coding a wrist fracture, the term to look up is 'Fracture'. The scaphoid bone is commonly affected, and a Colles fracture is a type involving the distal radius with a characteristic 'dinner fork' deformity. Focus on the fracture for accurate coding, not the symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When coding a wrist fracture, the term you should look up is D) Fracture. A wrist fracture typically refers to the breakage of one or more bones in the wrist, which could include the distal radius, ulna, or any of the carpal bones such as the scaphoid. The scaphoid bone is frequently fractured, especially from a fall onto the hand. Diagnosis of such injuries may initially suspect a wrist sprain due to deep pain or swelling, but radiographic evidence after the swelling subsides is needed to confirm a fracture. Moreover, a specific type called Colles fracture, involves the distal radius and can result from a fall onto an outstretched hand, often presenting as a 'dinner fork' deformity of the wrist. This type of fracture is common among older individuals, particularly women with osteoporosis. When coding for a wrist fracture, the focus should be on the fracture itself rather than the symptoms like pain or swelling.

User Runar
by
7.8k points