In which position should a cowboy with an anterior shoulder dislocation keep his arm while seeking medical aid?

In the case of an anterior shoulder dislocation, the appropriate position for the affected arm is to keep it in internal rotation. This position helps to minimize tension on the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues, reducing pain and risk of further damage until medical aid is sought.

Maintaining the arm in internal rotation can also prevent the head of the humerus from moving further out of the joint capsule, which could exacerbate the dislocation or cause additional injuries to surrounding structures such as ligaments, tendons, or nerves.

While external rotation, neutral position, and flexing the elbow are positions that might be considered, they do not provide the same level of protection for the dislocated shoulder. External rotation could increase the risk of further dislocation and pain, neutral position may not adequately stabilize the shoulder, and flexing at the elbow does not address the shoulder itself. Therefore, internal rotation is the best choice for immobilizing and protecting the dislocated shoulder until professional medical treatment is available.