RICE stands for which four terms?

• A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• B. Run, Ice, Cryotherapy, Elevation
• C. Rest, Heat, Compression, Elevation
• D. Rest, Anti-inflammatory, Compression, Elevation

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the initial care approach for acute soft tissue injuries using the RICE mnemonic. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rest limits movement to protect the injured tissue. Ice, as cold therapy, reduces swelling and pain by cooling the tissue and slowing metabolic and vascular activity. Compression applies gentle pressure to help limit edema and provide support. Elevation uses gravity to help fluids drain away from the injured area, further reducing swelling.

So the best match is Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Using Heat instead of Ice would promote more swelling in the acute phase, and referring to an Anti-inflammatory points to a medication rather than a physical therapy step.