Which of the following splints is most appropriate for stabilizing a fractured limb with a significant gap between bone segments?

The most appropriate splint for stabilizing a fractured limb with a significant gap between bone segments is the traction splint. Traction splints are specifically designed to apply a pulling force along the length of the limb. This action helps to align the fractured bone segments and minimize the gap between them, promoting better healing conditions and reducing muscle spasm. By maintaining a continuous traction force, these splints can also stabilize the fracture by preventing further movement of the bone, which is crucial in cases where there is a significant separation.

Other types of splints, while useful in different contexts, do not effectively address the issue of maintaining alignment in fractures with significant gaps. For instance, a long board splint is effective for immobilizing broken bones but does not apply the necessary traction to reduce gaps. A coaptation splint, which is typically used for compressing the fracture site and holding the segments together, may not provide enough stability for gaps. A soft splint can be easily molded to the injured area, but it lacks the rigidity and traction needed to properly align and stabilize a significantly fractured limb.