Your patient is an 8-year-old boy with a pencil impaled 2 centimeters inferior to the xiphoid process. You note that the pencil is pulsating. Which of the following is the best action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In cases of impalement injuries, the object should be stabilized in place to prevent further movement and damage to surrounding structures. In this case, the pencil is pulsating, indicating that it may be in contact with an artery and removing it could lead to significant bleeding. The patient should be transported to a trauma center where a surgical team can safely remove the pencil while also managing any potential bleeding. Starting an IV and providing pain management can be done during transport. Direct pressure may not be effective in controlling bleeding in this case, and transporting to the nearest medical facility may not have the necessary resources to manage this type of injury.

Your Patient Is an 8-Year-Old Boy with a Pencil Impaled