ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What does the acronym RICE stand for in the context of injury management?

1. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

2. Rest, Ice, Care, Exercise

3. Reduce, Ice, Compression, Elevate

4. Rest, Increase, Care, Elevation

The correct answer is: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

In the context of injury management, RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This acronym is widely used to provide a guideline for the immediate first-aid treatment of acute injuries, particularly sprains and strains. Rest is crucial because it helps to prevent further injury and allows the body to begin the healing process. Ice is applied to reduce swelling and numb pain by constricting blood vessels; this is especially important in the first 48 hours after an injury. Compression involves the use of bandages or wraps to apply pressure to the injured area, which can help decrease swelling. Finally, elevation involves raising the injured area above the level of the heart to further reduce swelling and improve circulation. While the other answer choices contain variations of these terms, they do not accurately represent the established principles of the RICE method. For example, "Care" or "Exercise" do not fit within the immediate management protocol for injuries as effectively as the components of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation do.