Which of the following assessments would best address a suspected fracture?

A thorough assessment of the affected limb, which includes evaluating circulation, sensation, and movement, is the most effective approach when addressing a suspected fracture. This comprehensive assessment allows for identifying any potential complications resulting from the fracture, such as compromised blood supply or nerve damage.

Circulation checks can reveal issues like pulse changes and capillary refill time, which indicate the status of blood flow to the area. Sensation assessment helps determine if there is any nerve injury, while movement assessment confirms functional impairment. Together, these components provide a clear understanding of the injury's impact and guide appropriate interventions.

Other assessment methods, such as palpation of surrounding muscles, focus narrowly on muscle integrity rather than the overall function of the limb and surrounding structures, potentially missing critical information about circulation and nerve function. Assessing vital signs is important in general health monitoring but may not provide specific insights into the fracture itself. Observing skin color in the unaffected limb does not directly assess the condition of the affected limb and is not relevant to confirming a fracture.