A patient presents to the emergency department with a laceration of the right forearm caused by a fall.After determining that the patient is stable,what is the next best step?

A) Inspecting the wound for bleeding.
B) Inspecting the wound for foreign bodies.
C) Determining the size of the wound.
D) Determining the need for a tetanus antitoxin injection.

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Vastavia Mercedes · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  After determining that a patient's condition is stable,the nurse should inspect the wound for bleeding.An abrasion will have limited bleeding,a laceration can bleed more profusely,and a puncture wound bleeds in relation to the size and depth of the wound.The nurse should first address any bleeding issues.Then the nurse inspects the wound for foreign bodies;traumatic wounds are dirty and may need to be addressed.A large open wound may expose bone or tissue and be protected,or the wound may need suturing.When the wound is caused by a dirty penetrating object,the nurse should determine the need for a tetanus vaccination.

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