Splints should extend well above and below a fracture.

Splints should extend well above and below a fracture.

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only above
• D. Only below

Answer: (A)

Immobilization works best when you span joints on both sides of the injury to stop movement that could worsen the fracture and injure surrounding tissues. Extending the splint well above and well below the fracture ensures the joints above and below are stabilized, which helps keep the bone aligned and reduces pain during transport. If you only extend the splint above, the portion below the fracture can move and risk displacement or damage to nerves and blood vessels. If you only extend below, movement above the fracture isn’t controlled. By covering both sides, you maximize stabilization, which is why extending in both directions is the correct approach. For example, a forearm fracture would be immobilized from above the elbow to below the wrist, and a leg fracture from above the knee to below the ankle.