Question

A 28-year-old sustains an open tibial fracture in a farm accident. What is the key early management step in the ED?

Accepted Answer

Give IV broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour and urgent orthopaedic referral

Answer

Apply a tourniquet and delay antibiotics

Answer

Oral antibiotics and discharge

Answer

Immediate casting without debridement

Answer

Delay tetanus assessment until admission

Practice question

A 28-year-old sustains an open tibial fracture in a farm accident. What is the key early management step in the ED?