Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries

Jason T
Apr 29
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

First Aid techniques for Bone, Muscle and Joint injuries.

Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries for Nursing Students – Part 1

As a nursing student, you're expected to recognize, assess, and respond to a variety of injuries — including some of the most common ones: sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures. These injuries can occur during clinical placements, in hospital settings, or even in day-to-day scenarios. Whether caused by slips, improper body mechanics, or patient transfers, it’s crucial that future nurses understand the foundational skills of orthopedic injury first aid.

Let’s break it down into manageable concepts: what each injury is, how they happen, and how to help prevent them — both for your patients and yourself.

What Are These Injuries?

Sprain – Stretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint.
Strain – Damage to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching or forceful contraction.
Dislocation – A bone forced out of its normal alignment at a joint.
Fracture – A break, chip, or crack in the bone. Can be “open” (bone breaks through skin) or “closed” (skin intact).

Common Causes of Orthopedic Injuries in Clinical and Daily Life:

Slips, trips, or falls — especially in fast-paced hospital environments
Improper lifting or patient transfers without body mechanics training
Sudden awkward movements or overextension
Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs)
Direct trauma or blunt force
Repetitive strain from tasks like long-term charting or walking on hard surfaces

Injury Prevention for Nursing Students:

Use proper body mechanics when lifting or repositioning patients
Always request help or use assistive devices when needed (e.g., gait belts, slide sheets)
Stretch and warm up before long clinical shifts
Wear non-slip footwear in clinical areas
Ensure proper lighting and clear pathways to prevent falls
Know your limits: take breaks when physically or mentally fatigued
Keep elderly patients safe with environmental assessments (grab bars, bed alarms, etc.)
Use proper PPE and safety gear when applicable

Why This Matters:

As a future nurse, understanding how to respond to these injuries can make a major difference in your patient's outcome. Improper handling of bone, muscle, and joint injuries can result in long-term damage, increased recovery time, or even permanent disability. In extreme cases, complications can become life-threatening without swift and informed care.

Quick Reminders for Caregivers:

Never shake a baby or young child.
Take a moment to breathe — place the child in a safe space if overwhelmed.
You’re not alone — call 811 in Alberta for non-emergency health advice.

Up Next:

In Part 2, we’ll cover what to do once an orthopedic injury occurs — including immobilization techniques, recognizing signs of shock, and when to activate EMS. Stay informed and confident in your clinical response.

🩺 Be Ready to Lead With Care

Enroll in a First Aid or Basic Life Support (BLS) course through Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd — where nursing students learn life-saving skills that support both academic success and clinical excellence.

This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Health Services, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. It is not a substitute for professional medical training. Consult a physician or certified training provider for clinical guidance.

REMEMBER:✔️ Protect Yourself📞 Call 911⏱️ Don’t Waste Time

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”