Final answer:
A blood pressure cuff can be used to apply pressure to a bleeding wound on an extremity when manual pressure is inadequate. Pillow or padded board splints can provide support but a traction splint is not suitable for this purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
When manual pressure is not sufficient to control bleeding from an open wound on an extremity, a blood pressure cuff (BP cuff) can be effectively used. The blood pressure cuff, also known as a sphygmomanometer, is an inflatable cuff that is usually wrapped around the arm to measure blood pressure but, in emergency situations, can be used to apply pressure to a wound. The cuff is inflated until it's tight around the limb, applying pressure on the wound to minimize bleeding.
It is important to avoid inflating the cuff too much as this could cause further injury or even lead to compartment syndrome, where the increased pressure within the muscles can lead to nerve and muscle damage. A pillow splint or a padded board splint may also provide additional support to the injured extremity, helping to immobilize it and minimize further injury. A traction splint, however, is typically used to stabilize a fractured femur and is not ideal for direct pressure application on a wound.