In the event of a patient with a compound fracture, what complication should the nurse be most vigilant about?

When caring for a patient with a compound fracture, the most significant complication to be vigilant about is infection of the open wound. A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, means that the broken bone has pierced through the skin, which creates a direct pathway for bacteria and other pathogens to enter the body. Since the integrity of the skin is compromised, there is a heightened risk of infection at the fracture site.

Infections can lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), delayed healing, and the possibility of sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, monitoring for signs of infection—including increased redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge at the site—is critical in managing the patient’s care effectively.

While other complications like loss of sensation, excessive bleeding, and joint dislocation are certainly important to monitor, they do not carry the immediate risk of systemic infection that an open wound does. Each patient case can present unique challenges, but vigilance against infection is particularly crucial with compound fractures due to the nature of the injury.