Question

A 12-year-old patient is complaining of pain to the right wrist. There is some point tenderness. However, there is no deformity, and there is full range of motion. Your treatment should include:
A) applying heat, but no splint.
B) splinting the wrist and transporting for evaluation.
C) applying ice and releasing the patient to the parents.
D) doing nothing at this time.

Answer 1

Answer: C

Explanation:

In acute trauma, applying cold to the injured area is useful to reduce the inflammation process, which will reduce pain and other inflammatory symptoms. After the first couple hours it is more useful to apply heat. The case doesn't specify any symptoms related to a fracture or any other injury. So the patient should be discharged.