Question

The nurse is caring for a client after a motor vehicle accident. The client has a fractured tibia, and bone is noted protruding through the skin. Which action is of priority?

Provide manual traction above and below the leg
Cover the bone area with a sterile dressing.
Apply an ACE bandage around the entire lower limb.
Place the client in the prone position.

Answer 1

The immediate priority when treating a client with a fractured tibia and bone protruding through the skin is to cover the area with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with a fractured tibia where the bone is protruding through the skin, the priority is to cover the bone area with a sterile dressing. This action helps prevent infection, which is a critical concern with open fractures. While providing manual traction or applying an ACE bandage may also be components of care, they are not the immediate priority.

Placing the client in the prone position is not advised for a tibia fracture as it can lead to increased pain and further damage. Properly stabilizing the limb and seeking urgent medical attention for definitive care is essential. The RICE technique can be an option for less severe injuries, but in this scenario with an open fracture, the focus is on preventing infection and preparing for surgical intervention if necessary.