What should be done if a patient has a laceration with exposed bone?

In the case of a laceration with exposed bone, the primary goal is to protect the exposed tissue and prevent further injury or contamination. Covering the wound with a sterile dressing helps to shield the area from bacteria and debris, minimizing the risk of infection. The dressing also aids in controlling any bleeding and keeps the wound clean.

Immobilizing the affected area is equally important, as it reduces movement that could exacerbate the injury and further damage the surrounding structures, including nerves and blood vessels. By stabilizing the area, you help facilitate proper healing and ensure a safer transport to advanced medical care.

Other options are not suitable for this scenario. Applying a tourniquet is typically reserved for extreme cases of limb injury with uncontrolled bleeding where life-threatening hemorrhage is occurring; it is not appropriate just because bone is exposed. Cleaning the wound with saline is generally not advised in emergency settings where there is significant injury; instead, the focus should be on covering and protecting until proper care can be administered. Leaving bone exposed would significantly increase the risk of infection and complicate the healing process.