When applying a sling or splint, what should you check for below the injured area?

When applying a sling or splint, it is essential to check for normal temperature and skin color below the injured area. This assessment helps to ensure that blood circulation to the area is adequate and not compromised by the injury or the splint itself. Normal skin color suggests that blood flow is intact, while changes in temperature or discoloration could indicate a lack of circulation, which may lead to more serious complications.

Checking for other signs like swelling and bruising, presence of jewelry, or redness and pain level can be important but primarily serves different purposes. For instance, swelling and bruising are often indicators of injury severity rather than circulation, while jewelry must be removed to avoid constriction. Redness and pain level are also relevant for assessing the injury itself, but the primary concern when applying a splint or sling is ensuring that the affected limb is receiving proper blood flow, which is confirmed through normal temperature and skin color. This helps in taking timely action if any complications arise from the application of the sling or splint.