Which nonpharmacological measure can help reduce pain for an acute limb injury with a splint?

Which nonpharmacological measure can help reduce pain for an acute limb injury with a splint?

• A. Apply sequential compression devices to affected extremity
• B. Ice affected extremity
• C. Massage the affected extremity
• D. Administer morphine prior to moving

Answer: (B)

Cold therapy is an effective nonpharmacologic approach to reduce pain in an acute limb injury with a splint. Applying ice causes vasoconstriction, numbs nerve endings, and helps limit swelling and bleeding around the injured area. By reducing edema and nerve conduction, pain is often noticeably relieved without medications. This is preferable to the other options for a nondrug approach: sequential compression devices provide circulatory support but aren’t an analgesic and may not be appropriate or safe with an acute injury and splint; massaging the area can worsen tissue damage and pain in the setting of an acute injury; and giving morphine uses a pharmacologic method, not nonpharmacologic. Use cold therapy safely—wrap ice in a cloth and apply to the injured area for about 15–20 minutes, then remove and reassess skin sensation and circulation before reapplying. If possible, elevate the limb to help reduce swelling, while keeping it securely in the splint.

Cold therapy is an effective nonpharmacologic approach to reduce pain in an acute limb injury with a splint. Applying ice causes vasoconstriction, numbs nerve endings, and helps limit swelling and bleeding around the injured area. By reducing edema and nerve conduction, pain is often noticeably relieved without medications.

This is preferable to the other options for a nondrug approach: sequential compression devices provide circulatory support but aren’t an analgesic and may not be appropriate or safe with an acute injury and splint; massaging the area can worsen tissue damage and pain in the setting of an acute injury; and giving morphine uses a pharmacologic method, not nonpharmacologic.

Use cold therapy safely—wrap ice in a cloth and apply to the injured area for about 15–20 minutes, then remove and reassess skin sensation and circulation before reapplying. If possible, elevate the limb to help reduce swelling, while keeping it securely in the splint.