What should the nurse practitioner's first step be for a patient with a serious thigh injury?

In the context of a serious thigh injury, the nurse practitioner's first step should be to assess for vascular injury. This is critical because thigh injuries can often involve substantial damage to both musculature and vascular structures due to the large blood vessels that run through the thigh, such as the femoral artery and vein. Identifying any vascular compromise is essential, as it can lead to severe complications, including limb ischemia, if not addressed promptly.

Assessment involves checking for pulses distal to the injury, observing for signs of ischemia (such as paleness, delayed capillary refill, or coolness), and conducting a thorough physical examination to determine the extent of injury. By prioritizing vascular assessment, the nurse practitioner can make informed decisions on whether immediate intervention, such as surgery or additional imaging, is necessary based on the findings.

In comparison, immediate referral to surgery would generally come after assessing the situation, especially to determine the need based on the nature and extent of the injury. Performing a compartment pressure test is relevant but falls under the assessment of compartment syndrome, which may arise if vascular injury is identified and indicates the need for surgical intervention. Ordering imaging studies could provide valuable information about the injury but typically follows an initial assessment of the patient’s condition. Thus,