Acute soft tissue injuries provide the nurse with a variety of teaching opportunities. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a client with a soft tissue injury?

A. While it's important to monitor for complications, this is not a typical initial instruction for a soft tissue injury. B. Early range of motion exercises are generally not recommended for acute soft tissue injuries, as they can increase swelling and pain. C. This is the correct instruction. Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce swelling and pain. It should be applied intermittently to prevent tissue damage from excessive cold. D. Heat is typically used in the later stages of healing to promote blood flow and relaxation, but continuous heat application can be harmful in the acute phase.