What is the first nursing intervention for a patient who is on the ground and suspected of having a fractured hip?

In a situation where a patient is on the ground and suspected of having a fractured hip, the first priority is to ensure the patient's safety and prevent further injury. Immobilizing the patient's leg before any movement is crucial because movement can exacerbate the fracture and lead to additional complications, such as further injury to surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

When dealing with suspected fractures, particularly in elderly patients who are at a higher risk for such injuries, the goal is to stabilize them in their current position until appropriate medical assistance can arrive. This involves ensuring that the affected limb is immobilized, which helps decrease pain and prevents further displacement of the fractured bone.

After ensuring that the leg is immobilized, other interventions, such as notifying family members or arranging for imaging studies like an x-ray, can follow. However, those actions can only take place after the patient is stabilized to prevent any further harm. Therefore, the proper initial intervention focuses on immobilization to ensure the patient's safety while awaiting further treatment.