You are providing emergency care for a patient with a swollen, deformed lower leg and severe pain. What can you do to help reduce the patient's discomfort?

Placing a cold pack on the injury site while also using a pad under the limb is an effective method to help reduce the patient's discomfort. Cold therapy is beneficial in managing pain and swelling associated with injuries. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which can help limit swelling and numb the area, providing analgesic effects that reduce the sensation of pain.

Additionally, using a pad under the limb can offer support and help keep the limb elevated slightly, further aiding in the reduction of swelling and enhancing comfort for the patient. This combined approach is commonly recommended in emergency care for soft tissue injuries.

Other methods, such as the application of heat or the administration of medications, may not be appropriate in this scenario. Heat could exacerbate swelling and is typically not advised in the acute phase of an injury. Elevating the leg is beneficial for managing swelling but does not provide the same immediate analgesic effect as cold therapy does. While pain medication can be helpful, it may not be immediately available in an emergency situation, and non-pharmacological interventions like applying a cold pack are often the first line of comfort measures.