During a primary assessment you notice a bone protruding from an open, bleeding wound on the lower leg. Which action should you perform first?

During a primary assessment you notice a bone protruding from an open, bleeding wound on the lower leg. Which action should you perform first?

• A. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding
• B. Immobilize the leg with a splint immediately
• C. Clean the wound with soap
• D. Pack the area around the wound with sterile gauze

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is stopping life-threatening bleeding quickly in a traumatic wound. With a bone protruding from an open leg wound, you control hemorrhage by creating a pressure dressing with sterile gauze. Packing the area around the wound helps apply uniform pressure to the bleeding surfaces, forming a stable dressing that tamponades the bleed and protects the wound from contamination. Don’t try to replace the bone or delay bleeding control to cleanse with soap; instead, cover and pack first, then secure a bulky dressing and immobilize the leg to limit movement.

The main idea here is stopping life-threatening bleeding quickly in a traumatic wound. With a bone protruding from an open leg wound, you control hemorrhage by creating a pressure dressing with sterile gauze. Packing the area around the wound helps apply uniform pressure to the bleeding surfaces, forming a stable dressing that tamponades the bleed and protects the wound from contamination. Don’t try to replace the bone or delay bleeding control to cleanse with soap; instead, cover and pack first, then secure a bulky dressing and immobilize the leg to limit movement.