Final answer:
The first nursing intervention is to assess the 5 P's - Pain, Pulse, Pallor, Paresthesia, and Paralysis - to ensure there's no circulatory or neurological compromise in the patient's foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary concern in a patient with a external fixation device complaining of foot pain is to address the possibility of circulatory or neurological compromise. The first intervention a nurse should implement is to assess the 5 P's: Pain, Pulse, Pallor, Paresthesia, and Paralysis. This assessment will help determine whether there is adequate blood flow and nerve function to the affected limb. Checking for capillary refill, feeling for pulses, assessing the skin color and temperature, and asking about sensations in the left foot can provide crucial information regarding the patient's condition. Immediate interventions may need to be taken if signs of compromised circulation or nerve function are present to prevent further complications.