RICE stands for what in injury management?

• A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• B. Rest, Ice, Elevation, Compression
• C. Rest, Cold, Compression, Elevation
• D. Rest, Elevation, Compression, Ice

Answer: (A)

RICE is a simple plan for initial injury care that helps limit bleeding, swelling, and pain while starting the healing process. Rest stops further tissue damage and lets repair begin. Ice reduces pain and inflammation by cooling the tissue and constricting blood vessels, which limits fluid leakage into the area. Compression provides support and helps control swelling, as long as it’s snug but not cutting off circulation. Elevation uses gravity to reduce swelling by encouraging fluid to drain away from the injury, ideally with the limb raised above heart level when possible.

In practice, apply ice soon after injury in short cycles (about 15–20 minutes) several times in the first 24–48 hours, keep the affected area supported with a compression wrap, and elevate the limb whenever feasible. The classic sequence places rest first, then ice, then compression, and finally elevation, reflecting the goal of protecting tissue, reducing swelling, and promoting healing.