Question

When a fragment of a fractured bone breaks the skin, or when a wound extends to the site of the fracture, it is a(n):

A. displaced fracture.
B. open fracture.
C. linear fracture.
D. compression fracture.
E. spiral fracture.

Answer 1

An open fracture occurs when a broken bone breaks the skin or a wound reaches the fracture site, posing a higher infection risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a fragment of a fractured bone breaks the skin, or when a wound extends to the site of the fracture, it is known as an open fracture. An open fracture, also referred to as a compound fracture, carries a high risk of infection due to the exposure of the bone and internal tissues to the environment. This is in contrast to a closed fracture, where the skin remains intact over the break.