RICE regimen stands for which four components?

• A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• B. Rest, Heat, Compression, Elevation
• C. Restore, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• D. Rest, Ice, Catharsis, Elevation

Answer: (A)

Managing acute musculoskeletal injuries often starts with a simple approach to limit swelling and pain early on. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rest helps prevent further tissue damage and allows healing to begin. Ice constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and providing numb relief from pain. Compression with an elastic wrap supports the area and minimizes fluid buildup. Elevation uses gravity to help fluids drain away from the injury, especially when the limb is raised above heart level. Together, these four steps form the standard immediate care for many sprains and strains. The other terms listed don’t fit this regimen—heat is not typically used in the initial phase, and Restore or Catharsis aren’t part of common injury care language.