If you suspect a patient has a broken jaw, what should you do?

In the case of a suspected broken jaw, it is crucial to keep the jaw still and avoid any movement. Moving the jaw can exacerbate the injury, lead to further damage, or cause significant pain to the patient. Since fractures can result in instability and misalignment, any movement could worsen the situation or even lead to additional complications, like damage to surrounding tissues or nerves.

Stabilizing the jaw is essential; providing support can help minimize discomfort and prevent further injury until professional medical assistance can be obtained. Keeping the patient calm and encouraging them to remain still is important, as excessive movement can lead to additional risks.

The other options would not be appropriate in this scenario. For instance, checking for discomfort by moving the jaw could further harm the patient, while asking the patient to open their mouth may also lead to unnecessary pain and injury worsening. Applying ice could be beneficial for swelling or pain management, but it must be done carefully, and it would be more appropriate after ensuring the jaw's stability rather than directly if there’s a suspected fracture.