You must support a fracture while splinting.

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for arm fractures
• D. Only when there is swelling

Answer: (A)

When you splint an injury, the goal is to immobilize the fracture and prevent movement at the fracture site. Supporting the fracture during splinting helps keep the bone ends aligned, reduces pain, and protects surrounding tissues such as nerves and blood vessels from further injury. Padding should be placed around the fracture, and the splint should extend beyond the joints above and below to keep the area stable. This principle applies to fractures of any bone, not just the arm, and it’s not dependent on the presence of swelling. After splinting, check circulation, sensation, and motion distal to the injury and recheck after securing the splint.