Question

You are posted as an intern in causality.Which among the following patients with fracture will be your 1st priority to call ortho PG and inform?

• A. Patient's finger is blackening
• B. Patient can't extend his arm
• C. A 10 cm abrasion
• D. Intra articular fracture of Elbow Joint

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct approach when prioritizing patient care in the context of fractures is to assess the urgency and potential complications associated with each case. Here are the factors to consider for each patient condition:

1. Patient's finger is blackening: Blackening of a finger suggests compromised blood supply, possibly due to vascular injury or severe swelling leading to ischemia. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention to prevent tissue necrosis and potential loss of the finger. Therefore, this is the highest priority.
2. Patient can't extend his arm: This could indicate nerve damage or muscle dysfunction, commonly associated with specific types of fractures (e.g., humerus fracture affecting the radial nerve). Although concerning, it generally doesn’t pose an immediate threat to life or limb viability.
3. A 10 cm abrasion: An abrasion of this size needs cleaning and care to prevent infection but is not an emergency compared to other issues listed.
4. Intra articular fracture of Elbow Joint: While this requires orthopedic evaluation and treatment, if there are no neurovascular compromises or signs of compartment syndrome, it is less urgent than a condition presenting with vascular compromise.

Based on these evaluations, the first priority should be the patient with the blackening finger due to the risk of permanent damage from ischemia. Always prioritize cases with potential life or limb threats first.