After splinting, what should be done regarding distal neurovascular status?

• A. Reassess distal neurovascular status
• B. Move the limb
• C. Remove the splint
• D. Apply a tourniquet

Answer: (A)

After splinting, recheck distal neurovascular status to confirm that blood flow and nerve function remain intact and to detect any compression from the splint or swelling. Splinting immobilizes the area and swelling can worsen beneath it, so it's essential to reassess right away and during transport. When you evaluate, note skin color and temperature, capillary refill, distal pulses, and whether the patient can feel sensation and move the fingers or toes. Any new numbness, tingling, pallor, or diminished pulses signals a problem that may require loosening or readjusting the splint or seeking further care. Moving the limb isn’t appropriate in this moment because it can worsen injury, removing the splint defeats immobilization, and a tourniquet is reserved for life-threatening bleeding, not for routine neurovascular assessment after splinting.