A 14-year-old with a displaced fracture reports pain. Which intervention will most likely help relieve this pain?

Applying a splint to the affected extremity is the most effective intervention for relieving pain associated with a displaced fracture. Immobilization of the fracture site helps to reduce movement, thus minimizing the pain caused by muscle spasms and movement of the fractured bone fragments. By stabilizing the injury, a splint provides support and protection, which can significantly alleviate discomfort.

In addition to immobilization, splinting can help prevent any further injury to the surrounding tissues and aid in the healing process. This is particularly important in a displaced fracture where misalignment can lead to increased pain and complications if not properly managed.

While other options such as elevation and compresses can provide some degree of comfort, the primary benefit of splinting is its direct effect on stabilizing the fracture. Elevating the extremity can reduce swelling and potentially lessen pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of instability at the fracture site. Similarly, while warm compresses might offer relief for some injuries, they can increase swelling in the acute phase of a fracture, which could worsen pain. Topical lidocaine-based creams may help with localized pain but are generally ineffective for deeper pain related to fractures. Therefore, splinting stands out as the most comprehensive and effective choice for this