you and your partner are preparing to apply a traction splint to a patient's deformed thigh. as you apply manual traction, the patient resists your efforts and states that the pain is getting worse. you should: a.gently massage the thigh muscles to relax them. b.assess distal pulses and continue pulling traction. c.stop and splint the leg in the deformed position. d.flex the knee and place a pillow under the thigh.