What should you do if a person with shock has a suspected broken leg?

What should you do if a person with shock has a suspected broken leg?

• A. Elevate their legs anyway
• B. Keep their legs flat
• C. Monitor the leg closely
• D. Have them walk gently

Answer: (B)

When a person is experiencing shock, particularly if a suspected broken leg is involved, keeping their legs flat is crucial for several reasons. Elevating the legs in cases of specific injuries, like a fracture, can potentially worsen the injury or cause additional pain. By keeping the legs flat, you minimize the risk of exacerbating any damage and ensure the person remains stable as you await professional medical help. Monitoring the leg closely may seem beneficial; however, without proper training, this could lead to unnecessary movement, which is not advisable during shock or suspected fractures. Encouraging the individual to walk, even gently, can lead to further injury and is unsafe for someone with a potential broken limb. Thus, keeping their legs flat is the best approach in this critical situation to prevent further complications and maintain stability.

When a person is experiencing shock, particularly if a suspected broken leg is involved, keeping their legs flat is crucial for several reasons. Elevating the legs in cases of specific injuries, like a fracture, can potentially worsen the injury or cause additional pain. By keeping the legs flat, you minimize the risk of exacerbating any damage and ensure the person remains stable as you await professional medical help.

Monitoring the leg closely may seem beneficial; however, without proper training, this could lead to unnecessary movement, which is not advisable during shock or suspected fractures. Encouraging the individual to walk, even gently, can lead to further injury and is unsafe for someone with a potential broken limb. Thus, keeping their legs flat is the best approach in this critical situation to prevent further complications and maintain stability.