Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Practice Exam

When dealing with a situation where a broken bone is protruding through the skin, the primary concern is to prevent further injury and manage the situation until emergency medical help arrives. Preparing a splint to immobilize the injury is a critical first step, as this helps to stabilize the broken bone and reduces the risk of additional damage or complications, such as infection.

Calling 911 is essential because this situation is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional intervention. Immobilizing the injury before help arrives can provide some comfort to the injured person and can also prevent unnecessary movement that could worsen the condition.

Attempting to push the bone back in poses a serious risk of causing further injury, increasing pain, or introducing bacteria into the body through the broken skin. Ignoring the injury until help arrives can lead to serious complications. Wrapping it in a cloth, while better than doing nothing, does not provide the necessary stabilization and may not adequately protect the area from further injury or contamination.

Thus, immobilizing the injury with a splint and seeking immediate medical attention is the best course of action in this scenario.