What additional step should be taken when splinting to monitor complications?

When splinting an injury, it is essential to assess circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) to monitor for potential complications. This step is critical because splinting can sometimes restrict blood flow or compress nerves, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome or loss of limb function.

By checking circulation, healthcare providers ensure that blood is still flowing to the affected area, which can be observed by assessing the pulse distal to the injury and checking the temperature and color of the skin. Sensation checks involve determining whether the patient can feel light touch or pinprick in the affected area, while movement assessments evaluate the patient’s ability to move their fingers or toes. Failure to monitor these aspects can lead to delayed diagnosis of serious complications, increasing the risk of permanent damage.

While monitoring vital signs can provide some information about a patient’s overall condition, it does not specifically address the localized issues that can arise from splinting. Changing the splint regularly is not usually necessary and could disrupt stability or cause harm. Providing emotional support, while important in a broader scope of care, does not directly relate to the physical monitoring of complications that may arise from immobilizing a limb. Thus, checking CSM serves as the most relevant and necessary step in monitoring