JL, a 50-year-old woman, fell and broke her left tibia just above the ankle. She is in the emergency department waiting for the fracture to be immobilized. The leg hurts and she notes that the ankle is swelling. A diagnosis of a simple fracture and sprain (damage to ligaments) is made. Required:

a. What is the cause of pain and swelling? What can JL expect in the days to come as inflammation resolves and healing begins?

b. What is the rationale for immobilizing the fractured bone?

c. She is told to come back to the fracture clinic in 24 hours to have her cast checked. What could happen to the inflamed tissue if the edema increases in the casted area?

d. She reports feeling fatigued and anorexic, and has a low-grade temperature. What is the cause of these symptoms?