For a child who seems to have a reduced range of motion in the arm after suspected nursemaid's elbow, what is a proper course of action?

In cases of suspected nursemaid's elbow, it is crucial to assess for other potential injuries because the child’s reduced range of motion may indicate more than just the typical dislocation of the radial head. A thorough assessment can help in identifying any additional injuries, such as fractures, which might require different management.

When a child presents with limited motion after being pulled or jerked by the arm, it’s essential to ensure that the symptoms are solely due to the nursemaid's elbow and not a result of a more severe injury like a fracture, which could complicate the situation if left unaddressed. A careful examination can help rule out these other issues and guide appropriate and safe treatment for the patient.

Forcing the arm to move could exacerbate any underlying injuries, while applying a splint is generally not an initial step in managing nursemaid's elbow until a complete evaluation is completed. Similarly, waiting for spontaneous improvement may be inappropriate if there is potential for a more serious injury that requires intervention. Therefore, assessing for other possible injuries is the best course of action in this scenario.