Care for patients with possible musculoskeletal injuries starts with:

• A. Splinting immediately
• B. Assessing and caring for life-threatening problems
• C. Administering pain medication
• D. Taking vital signs

Answer: (B)

Address life-threatening problems first. In any potential musculoskeletal injury, the priority is the primary survey: ensure the airway is open and breathing is adequate, assess circulation, and control any severe bleeding or signs of shock. Problems with breathing or circulation can be fatal within minutes, so they must be identified and treated before focusing on fractures or sprains. Once life threats are stabilized, you immobilize the injured area to prevent further damage and protect circulation and nerves, then proceed with assessments like taking vital signs and consider pain management as appropriate.