Paramedic National Registry Practice

In a motorcycle accident where a patient has a right leg injury and reports their foot feeling wet, what should you do next?

1. Verify vital signs

2. Apply a splint

3. Cut boot and assess ankle

4. Elevate the leg

The correct answer is: Cut boot and assess ankle

In the context of a motorcycle accident, when a patient presents with a right leg injury and reports that their foot feels wet, the sensation of wetness could indicate the presence of blood or other fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, from a potential compromised vascular or soft tissue integrity. Choosing to cut the boot and assess the ankle directly addresses this concern by allowing immediate evaluation of the foot and ankle for possible soft tissue injury or bleeding. By removing the boot, you gain access to inspect for wounds, assess for swelling, and increase your understanding of the extent of the injury, all of which are critical for appropriate treatment. This step is crucial because timely identification of a severe injury can significantly influence subsequent interventions, such as controlling bleeding or providing proper immobilization. The other options may be beneficial in their own contexts but do not prioritize the immediate assessment of the foot, which is essential when a patient reports wetness that could indicate a significant injury. For instance, verifying vital signs is important but does not provide direct information about the state of the injured leg. Applying a splint is an important step, but it should be based on a full assessment of the injury, while elevating the leg may be done later to manage swelling, but immediate evaluation takes precedence