In a patient with a swelling of the right posterior elbow after minor trauma, what is the most appropriate initial intervention?

In the context of a patient with swelling of the right posterior elbow following minor trauma, the most appropriate initial intervention is to apply a compression dressing. This approach helps to manage the swelling by providing support to the soft tissues around the elbow. Compression can reduce excess fluid accumulation in the area and provides stability, which is particularly beneficial after an injury.

Using compression as a first-step intervention allows for the assessment of the extent of the injury without immediately resorting to more invasive measures. It also aids in alleviating pain and discomfort that may arise from swelling. While other interventions such as rest and ice can also be important components of initial management, compression specifically targets the management of swelling and promotes better outcomes in the acute phase post-injury.

Immediate surgery would generally not be warranted unless there were signs of a more serious injury, such as a fracture or significant soft tissue damage that requires surgical intervention. Similarly, injections are usually reserved for specific conditions and not for initial management of acute injury. Rest and ice are supportive measures and may be done alongside compression, but the integrating factor of pressure to manage swelling makes the use of a compression dressing the most appropriate initial intervention.