A nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected fracture.
Which assessment findings should the nurse prioritize during the initial assessment? .

Choice A rationale:

Administering antibiotics to prevent infection is an important intervention for clients with open fractures to reduce the risk of infection.

However, in a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain, the immediate priority should be to address their pain and provide analgesics (Choice B) to alleviate suffering and improve comfort.

Infection prevention measures can be implemented once pain management is initiated.

Choice B rationale:

Providing analgesics as prescribed is the most appropriate intervention for a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain.

Open fractures are associated with significant pain due to the exposure of bone and soft tissues, and effective pain management is essential for the client's comfort and well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Applying a warm compress to the affected area may provide some comfort but is not the primary intervention for pain management in a client with an open fracture.

The priority should be to administer analgesics and provide appropriate wound care.

Choice D rationale:

Initiating physical therapy immediately is not the immediate priority for a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain.

Physical therapy typically follows fracture stabilization, wound management, and pain control.

It is essential to address the client's pain and wound care needs first.

Choice A rationale:

The patient's favorite food and drink preferences.

Rationale: The patient's food and drink preferences are not a priority during the initial assessment of a suspected fracture.

The focus should be on medical assessments and relevant clinical information.

Choice B rationale:

The patient's past travel history.

Rationale: The patient's past travel history is unrelated to the assessment of a suspected fracture and should not be prioritized during this context.

Choice C rationale:

The site and type of fracture.

Rationale: This is the correct response.

During the initial assessment of a suspected fracture, the nurse should prioritize assessing the site and type of fracture to determine the severity of the injury and the appropriate interventions.

Choice D rationale:

The patient's social media usage patterns.

Rationale: The patient's social media usage patterns are not relevant to the assessment of a suspected fracture and should not be a priority during the initial evaluation.

Questions