You are treating a 12-year-old female patient who was struck in the arm with a baseball bat during a tournament. How should you treat her arm, which has swelling and discoloration but intact skin?

In the scenario described, the primary focus should be on ensuring the stability and proper positioning of the injured arm to prevent further injury and aid in healing. Immobilizing the arm is crucial in cases of suspected soft tissue injury or potential fractures following blunt trauma, like being struck by a baseball bat. This action helps reduce pain by limiting movement at the injury site and helps prevent further swelling.

While applying a cold compress can reduce swelling and pain, and administering pain relief is important for comfort, immobilization is a key step in the initial management of an injury, particularly because the mechanism of injury suggests a possibility of significant trauma. Consulting a physician is also necessary, but it would likely be a subsequent step after providing immediate care, especially given that the patient has intact skin, which indicates that the injury may be manageable in the field.

Overall, immobilizing the arm in a suitable position is the most effective immediate intervention to ensure the patient's safety and comfort while facilitating a better environment for recovery.