Question

An 11-year-old boy presents to the emergency room (ER) with a 4-inch laceration on his right arm. He was with his friends doing bicycle stunts when he fell off his bike and cut his arm on a rusty nail from the ramp. In addition, his wrist is swollen, bruised, tender to touch, and warm, with limited mobility. He will most likely need stitches to close the laceration and a splint for the sprain.

In your initial post answer the following questions:

After treatment, as he prepares to leave, you give him last-minute care instructions for laceration and sprain. What would be important for this boy to know to prevent further health concerns with his injuries?

The boy concernedly asks you, “My uncle lost his foot because he got gangrene in it. Am I going to lose my arm if I get an infection in this cut?” How would you respond?

Answer 1

1. Important Selfcare instructions to this boy to prevent further health concerns with his injuries.

Try as much as possible not to expose the wound to dirt to avoid infections.

You should not try to remove the stitches since they facilitate the healing process of the wound.

Minimise the movements of your right arm until the stitches are removed.

If your right hand begins to swell immediately report this to your parents who will bring you to hospital.

2. No you won't lose your arm but do not expose the wound to infection since some infections may cause further complications.