Final answer:
If directed by a physician, a medical assistant can apply an orthopedic splint to immobilize and protect an injured body part, under the supervision of a medical professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, if directed by a physician, a medical assistant can apply an orthopedic splint. Splints are medical devices used to immobilize and protect an injured body part, such as a broken bone or sprain. They are often applied by healthcare professionals to support the healing process. An orthopedist, who is a doctor specializing in the musculoskeletal system, may prescribe such a splint after evaluating the injury, which might be obtained through physical examination, imaging, or other diagnostic methods such as MRI or CT scans. Treatment methods for orthopedic injuries can range from simple exercises to surgery.
Medical assistants, while not as extensively trained as physical therapists or orthopedists, can be trained to apply splints as part of their duties. It is important that the application of an orthopedic splint by a medical assistant is supervised by a medical professional to ensure proper alignment and immobilization of the injured area.