A client is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. They are conscious, stating their leg hurts, and have visible deformity and swelling to the right lower leg. Their vital signs are stable. Which action should the triage nurse prioritize?

Question: A client is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. They are conscious, stating their leg hurts, and have visible deformity and swelling to the right lower leg. Their vital signs are stable. Which action should the triage nurse prioritize?

Answer options:

• Administering analgesia for their leg pain.
• Notifying the orthopaedic surgeon immediately.
• Placing a cervical collar and applying oxygen via nasal cannula. ✅ Assessing for additional injuries, especially to the abdomen or head.

Correct answer: Assessing for additional injuries, especially to the abdomen or head.

Explanation: Even with stable vital signs and a visible leg injury, it is crucial to assess for potentially more life-threatening injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, head injury) that may not be immediately obvious. This follows a comprehensive approach to initial trauma assessment.