New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the New York State EMT-B Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and comprehensive explanations for each question. Get ready to ace your exam!

Practice this question and more.

Which of the following is NOT a function of splinting in emergency care?

It prevents further injury.
It reduces pain for the patient.
It encourages mobility in the injured area.
It holds the bone fragments in alignment.

The correct answer is: It encourages mobility in the injured area.

In emergency care, splinting serves several key functions that are vital for protecting and stabilizing an injured area. Preventing further injury is crucial, as proper splinting immobilizes the fracture or dislocated joint, minimizing movement that could lead to additional damage or complications. Additionally, splinting helps to align bone fragments, which can facilitate healing and reduce the risk of malunion or nonunion in fractures. While splinting can provide some degree of comfort that may help reduce pain through immobilization, the primary intent is to stabilize the injury rather than actively reduce pain. However, encouraging mobility in the injured area contradicts the very purpose of splinting. Mobility can exacerbate injuries and lead to more severe complications, which is why the correct response identifies this function as not being a role of splinting. Therefore, the focus on immobilization rather than movement underscores the importance of splinting to support healing and prevent further injury.