For an elderly female with obvious extremity deformities and abdominal pain after a fall, what is your next action?

Immediate transport is the most appropriate next action for an elderly female with obvious extremity deformities and abdominal pain after a fall for several reasons. First, the presence of obvious deformities indicates potential fractures or serious musculoskeletal injuries, which can significantly compromise her mobility and increase the risk of further injury. Additionally, abdominal pain in this context raises concerns for possible internal bleeding or organ injury, especially in the elderly who are at greater risk for complications from falls.

Transporting her to a medical facility promptly ensures that she receives the necessary diagnostic imaging and interventions that can identify any fractures, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions. While assessing for internal bleeding and providing pain relief are also critical components of patient care, they typically occur after ensuring the patient is stabilized and on the way to definitive care, particularly in potentially unstable patients like this individual.

Applying a splint can be helpful for stabilizing fractures, but given the high index of suspicion for more serious injuries such as internal bleeding, ensuring the patient is transported to a healthcare facility takes precedence in this scenario.