Final answer:
An untreated puncture wound may primarily lead to an infection, as bacteria can enter the body through the wound and can potentially cause local or systemic infections. Tetanus and gas gangrene are serious examples of what might occur if the wound is contaminated and left untreated. Fractures, dehydration, and hypothermia are not typically associated with an untreated puncture wound.
Step-by-step explanation:
An untreated puncture wound can lead to several complications, primarily due to the potential for bacterial infections. When the skin is compromised by a puncture, bacteria can enter the body and proliferate, which can result in local infections, such as abscesses or cellulitis. Furthermore, if the bacteria reach the bloodstream, it can lead to systemic infections, making wounds especially dangerous if they are not adequately cleaned and treated.
For instance, if the puncture wound is contaminated with Clostridium tetani bacteria, it could lead to tetanus, a serious condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. Similarly, a puncture from an object contaminated with Clostridium perfringens might cause gas gangrene, characterized by tissue death and gas production in the tissue. These are serious conditions that underline the risks of not treating puncture wounds promptly and properly.
Therefore, the most likely issue to occur because of an untreated puncture wound is A) Infection. The other options, such as B) Fracture, C) Dehydration, and D) Hypothermia, are not directly related to an untreated puncture wound.