An adolescent is seen in the emergency department following an athletic injury. It is suspected that ...

An adolescent is seen in the emergency department following an athletic injury. It is suspected that the child has sprained an ankle. X-rays have been obtained, and a fracture has been ruled out.
 
  The nurse is providing instructions to the adolescent regarding home care for treatment of the sprain. Which of the following instructions would the nurse provide to the adolescent? 1. Elevate the extremity, and maintain strict bed rest for a period of 7 days.
  2. Immobilize the extremity, and maintain the extremity in a dependent position.
  3. Apply heat to the injured area every 4 hours for the first 48 hours, and then begin to apply ice.
  4. Apply ice to the injured area for a period of 30 minutes every 4 to 6 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours.