Question

You are assessing a 30-year-old male patient that had his arm caught in a piece of machinery. By the time you arrive he has been freed. The patient tells you that he does not understand why you were called, but as you inspect the injured limb you notice a small puncture wound. You should have a high index of suspicion of which of the following injuries?

A. Chemical burn
B. Crush injury
C. Puncture
D. High-pressure injection

Answer 1

A high index of suspicion should be held for a puncture injury. Puncture injuries can occur when a sharp object penetrates the skin and can result in damage to deeper tissues and structures. Examples include accidental stab wounds, animal bites, or injuries from sharp objects like nails or knives.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, a high index of suspicion should be held for a puncture injury. The presence of a small puncture wound suggests that there may be underlying damage to tissues and structures beneath the skin. Puncture injuries can occur when a sharp object penetrates the skin and can result in damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

Examples of puncture injuries include accidental stab wounds, animal bites, or injuries from sharp objects such as nails, knives, or broken glass. It is important to thoroughly assess the wound and consider the potential for deeper tissue damage and infection.

It is also worth noting that in cases where machinery is involved, the risk of a high-pressure injection injury should also be considered. However, the small puncture wound described in the scenario is more indicative of a puncture injury rather than a high-pressure injection injury.