How should a flight attendant respond to a passenger with an arm fracture?

When responding to a passenger with an arm fracture, immobilizing the arm is crucial because it helps to prevent further injury and reduces pain during transport. Keeping the fractured arm stable minimizes movement, which is vital for both the safety of the affected area and the comfort of the passenger. Monitoring for circulation is equally important, as a fracture can sometimes compromise blood flow, leading to further complications. By checking circulation, the flight attendant ensures that there are no signs of additional injuries that might affect the passenger's condition.

The other strategies mentioned, such as encouraging movement or simply asking the passenger to rest and apply ice, could exacerbate the situation by potentially causing additional injury or pain. While providing pain relief medication might seem helpful, it is typically not within a flight attendant's scope of practice to administer medications, and doing so could lead to complications if not handled by trained medical personnel. Overall, immobilizing the arm and monitoring circulation ensures appropriate care while maintaining safety during the flight.