H.K. is a 26-year-old man who tried to light a cigarette while driving and lost control of his truck. The

truck flipped and landed on the passenger side. H.K.

was transported to the emergency department with
a deformed, edematous right lower leg and a deep puncture wound approximately 5 cm long over the
deformity. Blood continues to ooze from the wound.
What further assessment will you make of the leg injury and what precautions will you take
in making this assessment?
What will be an ideal response?


"The five Ps should be assessed: pulses, pain, paresthesia, paralysis, and pallor. However, when an
open fracture is suspected or bone is obviously displaced, the limb should be immobilized and the
patient should not be asked to demonstrate mobility. Toes can be wiggled when fractured legs are
being assessed. Watch for swelling or bone displacement that could place pressure on nerves. Lastly,
be sure to wear gloves and follow Standard Precautions when performing the assessment because
the wound is oozing blood.

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