After immobilizing a suspected fracture, you should:

After immobilizing a suspected fracture, you should:

• A. Monitor for signs of shock and keep the patient warm.
• B. Encourage the patient to stand and walk.
• C. Give the patient a full meal immediately.
• D. Remove the splint to inspect the limb.

Answer: (A)

After immobilizing a suspected fracture, the priority is to prevent shock and keep the person warm while awaiting medical help. Immobilization limits further damage, but blood flow can still be compromised and shock can develop. Look for signs like anxiety or restlessness, pale or cool skin, a rapid or weak pulse, and rapid breathing. If you notice these, lay the person flat, keep them warm with a blanket, and elevate the legs if there’s no potential spinal injury, while continuing to monitor breathing and circulation. Do not give food or drinks in case surgery is needed later, and do not remove the splint or let the person stand or walk, as movement can worsen the injury. The goal is stable, non-worsening injury and prepared, rapid help.

After immobilizing a suspected fracture, the priority is to prevent shock and keep the person warm while awaiting medical help. Immobilization limits further damage, but blood flow can still be compromised and shock can develop. Look for signs like anxiety or restlessness, pale or cool skin, a rapid or weak pulse, and rapid breathing. If you notice these, lay the person flat, keep them warm with a blanket, and elevate the legs if there’s no potential spinal injury, while continuing to monitor breathing and circulation. Do not give food or drinks in case surgery is needed later, and do not remove the splint or let the person stand or walk, as movement can worsen the injury. The goal is stable, non-worsening injury and prepared, rapid help.