Which statement best reflects a good splint regarding pressure?

• A. Include only necessary joints.
• B. The splint should be colored to match clothing.
• C. Avoid pressure on bony prominences.
• D. The splint should be made with metal only.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that a good splint in terms of pressure is one that avoids concentrating force on bony prominences. Concentrated pressure over bones like the olecranon, ulna head, metacarpal heads, or other prominent points can compress blood vessels, reduce circulation, and lead to skin breakdown or ulcers. So, the best approach is to shape the splint and add padding so the contact is distributed over a larger area and relief is provided at the known pressure points. This might involve contouring the splint to the limb, placing padding over prominences, and making sure straps don’t press directly on bone or create new pressure points. While it's good practice to immobilize only the joints needed for function, this aspect doesn’t specifically address pressure relief. Cosmetic color or using metal only doesn’t inherently improve pressure management, and the key goal remains distributing pressure and protecting soft tissues.