<![CDATA[Background: Orthopedic trauma is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with pain being the most common complaint requiring comprehensive management. The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is a non-pharmacological intervention that works through vasoconstriction, immobilization, enhanced lymphatic drainage, and tissue stabilization mechanisms to reduce pain intensity during the acute phase of injury. Purpose: To determine the effect of the RICE protocol on pain intensity among orthopedic trauma patients. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest control group approach. A total of 60 participants were recruited through purposive sampling and divided into an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The findings showed a significant reduction in pain intensity in the intervention group after receiving the RICE protocol (p = 0.000), whereas the control group receiving standard therapy showed no significant change (p = 0.180). Furthermore, comparison between the intervention and control groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain intensity (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The RICE protocol is effective in reducing pain intensity among orthopedic trauma patients and can be recommended as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention for pain management in orthopedic trauma care. Keywords: Non-Pharmacological Intervention; Numeric Rating Scale; Orthopedic Trauma; Pain Intensity; RICE Protocol]]>
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