What does RICE stand for in injury treatment?

The correct answer is "Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation" as these are the four key components of the RICE protocol used in the immediate treatment of acute injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains.

Rest refers to stopping any activity that may aggravate the injury, helping to prevent further damage and allowing the body to start the healing process. Ice is used to reduce swelling and numb pain by constricting the blood vessels, which minimizes inflammation at the injury site. Compression involves wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage to help control swelling and provide support. Finally, elevation involves raising the injured part above heart level, which aids in reducing swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injury.

Understanding each component is crucial for effective first aid in sports and physical activities, as it helps in managing pain and promoting recovery. The other options, while they contain terms related to injury treatment, do not accurately reflect the standard RICE protocol. For example, "Inflammation" and "Care" do not align with the specific actions taken in RICE, and "Raise" instead of "Rest" misrepresents the foundational approach to managing acute injuries.