What is an appropriate treatment for a patient 48 hours post-acute motor vehicle collision?

• A. Heat therapy
• B. Active range of motion exercises
• C. Ice and electrical stimulation
• D. Immediate surgical intervention

Answer: (C)

After a motor vehicle collision, particularly within the first 48 hours, the focus is on managing inflammation, pain, and preventing further injury. Ice and electrical stimulation are appropriate interventions during this acute phase.

Using ice helps to control edema and reduce pain by constricting blood vessels and minimizing swelling. This is crucial as excessive swelling can lead to prolonged recovery times and complications. Electrical stimulation can also assist in pain management and promote muscle activation, which may have been affected due to the trauma sustained in the collision.

Heat therapy is generally not advised immediately following an injury, as it can exacerbate swelling and inflammation. Active range of motion exercises are beneficial later in the recovery process but may not be suitable right after an acute injury due to the risk of worsening pain or causing new injuries. Immediate surgical intervention is typically reserved for severe injuries requiring surgical repair, such as fractures or internal injuries, which would be assessed by a medical professional.

Thus, the combination of ice and electrical stimulation is tailored to the acute phase of recovery, supporting the body's natural healing processes while minimizing discomfort and promoting function.