What does RICE stand for in injury management?

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

Answer: (A)

RICE is an initial care approach for acute soft-tissue injuries. The standard expansion is Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rest prevents further damage by limiting movement. Ice helps reduce swelling and numb pain through cooling and vasoconstriction. Compression provides external pressure to control swelling and offers support to the injured area. Elevation uses gravity to help fluids drain away, further reducing swelling.

This combination is used because it targets swelling and pain early after injury. Heat, which appears in one of the options, is not appropriate in the immediate phase since it increases blood flow and swelling. The version with the steps swapped or with heat does not fit the conventional RICE protocol.