You must support a fracture while splinting.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for open fractures
• D. Only if there is bleeding

Answer: (A)

When you splint a suspected fracture, the priority is to immobilize the injured area to prevent any movement that could worsen the break or damage surrounding nerves and blood vessels. Supporting the fracture means keeping the limb still by applying a splint that runs along the limb and secures the joints above and below, with padding to prevent pressure points. You keep the limb in the position found, and you don’t try to straighten or realign the bone. If there’s bleeding or an open wound, address those while you maintain immobilization. Because immobilization should occur for any suspected fracture, this action is required in all such cases, not only for open fractures or when bleeding is present.