special subjects
Nail Gun Injuries
Evaluation of Nail Gun Injuries
If a person has a nail gun injury, First-Aid Treatment should be done and medical attention should be sought immediately, even if the injury seems insignificant. First aid includes applying pressure on the wound with a clean cloth if the wound is bleeding and elevating the injured limb above heart level. The person should not try to remove the nail. Doctors evaluate nail gun injuries by doing the following: Identifying (and treating) serious injuries Controlling bleeding if needed Checking for damage to structures under the nail gun wound The nail is typically embedded in the wound when people come to the emergency department or doctor's office. If wounds are bleeding, the bleeding must be stopped before evaluation. Doctors apply direct pressure to the wound and, when possible, elevate the affected part. Anesthetics that containepinephrine, applied to the wound, may also help reduce bleeding. A tourniquet may be applied above the wound. It may make it easier to examine hand and finger wounds. Doctors thoroughly check for damage to structures under the injury, including nerves, tendons, blood vessels, joints, and bones. They also take x-rays to check for bone damage and to determine the general location and type of nail. The type of nail affects how the nail should be removed. For example, nails with barbs are more difficult to remove and are removed in the operating room. X-rays can also help doctors locate any foreign objects present. Evaluation by a specialist may be needed. For example, if the eye is injured, an ophthalmologist is consulted as soon as possible. 