While on standby at a semi-professional baseball game, you are summoned onto the field for a player complaining of severe leg pain after colliding with the catcher of the opposing team. The primary assessment shows no threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. The secondary assessment reveals a severely deformed knee that is swollen and ecchymotic. The leg is pale and cool, and the patient

cannot move his leg when asked to do so. In addition, you cannot palpate a pedal pulse. Which one of the following is your priority at this time?

A) Apply a traction splint and enough traction until a pulse returns.
B) Check the patient's radial or carotid pulse.
C) Attempt to straighten the leg until a pulse returns.
D) Apply cold packs to the knee and transport immediately.

Answer: C