What nonpharmacologic measure can help control pain during wound management?

• A. Proper splinting and immobilization to reduce movement
• B. Elevation alone
• C. Cold packs only
• D. Massage

Answer: (A)

Limiting movement at the wound site is a primary way to control pain during wound care. When a wound or its surrounding tissue is moved, it pulls on exposed edges and delicate healing tissue, triggering pain signals. Proper splinting and immobilization reduce these mechanical stressors by keeping the area still during procedures like cleaning and dressing changes. This stabilization minimizes tissue tugging and nerve stimulation, which often leads to less pain for the patient.

Other options offer some indirect benefits but don’t address movement-related pain as effectively. Elevation can help reduce swelling and may lessen discomfort related to edema, but it doesn’t directly limit pain from manipulation of the wound. Cold packs provide local numbness and reduce inflammation, yet they don’t prevent the mechanical irritation that occurs with wound handling and can even slow healing if overused. Massage isn’t appropriate during wound management because manipulating the wound area can disrupt healing tissues and provoke pain.