A patient with an open fracture of the left femur that punctured the skin waited 2 hours before getting to the hospital. What would be the priority problem to address when caring for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high potential for infection is the priority problem to address in a patient with an open fracture that has punctured the skin. Waiting for two hours before getting to the hospital increases the risk of infection as bacteria can enter the wound and cause further tissue damage. Thus, appropriate wound care, including cleaning and antibiotic therapy, should be started promptly to prevent infection. Insufficient nutrition, low body temperature, and fear and anxiety can be addressed after addressing the risk of infection.

A Patient with an Open Fracture of the Left Femur