A nurse is caring for a school-age child who sprained their ankle 1 hr ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to decrease the swelling?

A. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage: Applying an elastic bandage provides compression, which helps reduce swelling by limiting fluid accumulation in the injured tissues. Compression also supports the ankle and helps prevent further injury. B. Encourage active exercise of the ankle: Active exercise immediately after a sprain can increase swelling and worsen the injury. Rest and immobilization are essential in the initial phase to promote healing and minimize inflammation. C. Place the ankle below the level of the heart: Positioning the ankle below heart level promotes blood pooling and increases swelling. Elevation above heart level is recommended to help reduce edema. D. Apply ice packs directly to the ankle in 60 min intervals: Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, but applying ice directly to the skin can cause tissue damage. Ice packs should be wrapped in a cloth and applied intermittently (usually 15–20 minutes on, then off) to avoid frostbite and skin injury.