NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamTraumaMedium
A 35-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle collision. He complains of severe pain in his left thigh and you note significant deformity and swelling. His vital signs are stable, but he appears pale and anxious. What type of splint is MOST appropriate for this injury?
- AAir splint
- BTraction splint
- CSling and swathe
- DVacuum splint
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Traction splint
A traction splint is specifically designed for isolated, closed, mid-shaft femur fractures. The significant deformity and pain in the thigh are classic signs of a femur fracture, and traction helps to reduce muscle spasm, pain, and blood loss.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Air splints are generally for lower arm/leg injuries, not large bone fractures like the femur.
- C. Sling and swathe is for upper extremity injuries, not the thigh.
- D. Vacuum splints are versatile but less effective than traction for a mid-shaft femur fracture due to the strong muscles surrounding the bone.
Traction Splint Indication
A device used to apply a steady pull (traction) to a fractured bone, primarily the femur, to realign it and reduce pain and muscle spasm.
- Indicated for isolated, closed, mid-shaft femur fractures.
- Contraindicated for open fractures, knee/hip injuries, or lower leg/ankle injuries.
- Helps reduce pain and internal bleeding.
Memory trick: Femur Fracture? Traction is the Action!