Question

A 3-month-old infant is treated in the emergency department for a spiral femur fracture. The parent reports that the infant sustained the injury after rolling off the bed. What is the priority nursing action?

1. Document a description of the injury
2. Question the mother about where the infant sleeps
3. Report the injury per facility protocol
4. Separate the mother from the infant

Answer 1

3. Report the injury per facility protocol

Step-by-step explanation:

This is the first step that should be taken by the nurse. The first action the nurse should follow would be to report the injury per facility protocol. Moreover, she should report this because fractures in young children are often the consequence of child abuse. Following protocol will allow the nurse to ensure the safety of the parents and the child.