What could be a potential complication of incorrectly splinting a knee fracture?

Incorrectly splinting a knee fracture can indeed lead to decreased blood flow to the leg. When a splint is applied, it must stabilize the injury while maintaining proper circulation to the tissues surrounding the fracture. If the splint is too tight or improperly positioned, it can compress blood vessels, leading to ischemia (a lack of blood flow) in the affected limb. This situation can result in tissue damage or necrosis if not addressed promptly.

The other options do not accurately reflect the complications arising from incorrect splinting techniques. Increased mobility at the joint is not a desired outcome of splinting; rather, the purpose is to limit movement to promote healing and prevent further injury. Immediate pain relief is not typically achieved through incorrect splinting, as improper techniques may exacerbate discomfort instead of alleviating it. Finally, while infection is a concern with fractures and any open wounds, it is not a direct complication associated with the method of splinting itself.