Which action should be avoided when managing an open fracture in the field?

• A. Control bleeding and cover with sterile dressing
• B. Immobilize with a splint
• C. Reduce or probe the fracture
• D. Call EMS

Answer: (C)

Open fractures demand field care that protects the wound from contamination and stops further injury, while getting the patient to definitive care. The action to avoid is trying to reduce or probe the fracture right there in the field. Realigning the bone or poking at the wound can damage surrounding nerves and blood vessels, push bacteria deeper, and introduce contaminants, greatly increasing infection risk and making soft tissues worse. Instead, focus on keeping the patient stable: control any bleeding with direct pressure, cover the open wound with a sterile dressing to reduce contamination, immobilize the limb with a splint to limit movement and prevent additional injury, and call EMS for rapid transport and definitive treatment. If a bone is visibly protruding, do not attempt to push it back in; simply cover, immobilize, and seek urgent care.