Question

Which clinical manifestations will the nurse expect to observe in a client with a grade III open fracture?

a. An open fracture with minimal skin damage
b. A 6- to 8-cm wound with damage to skin, muscle, and nerve tissue
c. An open fracture accompanied by skin and muscle contusions
d. Internal damage to skin, muscle, and nerve tissue, but no open wound noted

Answer 1

In a grade III open fracture, expect to see a large wound with damage to skin, muscle, and nerve tissue, often accompanied by contusions.

OPTION B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical manifestations a nurse should expect to observe in a client with a grade III open fracture include a significantly sized wound, typically measuring 6 to 8 centimeters, with extensive damage that involves not only the skin but also underlying structures such as muscle and nerve tissue. This type of fracture is severe, and the break in the bone has penetrated through the skin, often accompanied by skin and muscle contusions, and poses a high risk of infection. The correct answer to the question is therefore option 'b. A 6- to 8-cm wound with damage to skin, muscle, and nerve tissue', as it describes the expected clinical presentation for grade III open fractures.

A grade III open fracture is characterized by a broken bone that tears through the skin. This type of fracture carries a high risk of infection due to the exposure of the bone to the external environment. The nurse would expect to observe an open wound, ranging from 6-8 cm in size, with damage to the skin, muscle, and nerve tissue.