An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Notifying the doctor immediately is the priority action in this scenario because the child's unrelenting pain, despite narcotic administration, could indicate a complication such as compartment syndrome, especially following a fracture reduction and cast application. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to prevent further injury.

An 8-Year-Old Girl Was Diagnosed with a Closed Fracture of the Radius