Question

You respond to a 19-year-old woman who was kicked in the leg by a horse. She is alert and oriented. Respirations are 20 breaths/min, regular and unlabored. Pulse is 110 beats/min and regular. Distal pulses are present. She has point tenderness at the site of the injury. You should compare the limb to:

A. the opposite uninjured limb.
B. one of your limbs or one of your partner's limbs.
C. an injury chart.
D. none of the above.

Answer 1

The correct response is to compare the injured limb to the opposite uninjured limb for any anomalies. This allows for a more accurate assessment by using the patient's own body as a reference.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a 19-year-old woman who was kicked in the leg by a horse, you should compare the injured limb to the opposite uninjured limb. This comparison can help in identifying any anomalies such as swelling, deformity, or color changes that might have occurred as a result of the injury. It's important to use the opposite limb as a reference because each person's limbs might vary slightly, and comparing to your or your partner's limb would not provide an accurate assessment. Remember to check for distal pulses, which could indicate circulation to the limb. If the pulses are present and there is point tenderness, these are important observations that should be noted as part of the patient's assessment.