Immobilization Devices Flashcards
How to use plaster casts
use your palm, NOT fingertips to avoid denting
How should you position the cast
elevate above the level of the heart to decrease swelling
Patient teacher for cast
do NOT place objects inside the cast
How to relive itching from a cast
blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast to relieve itching
What S/S should be reported to the provider if they occur in a patient in a cast
- hot spots
- increased drainage
- increased pain
- malodor
What is skin traction
weights are attached to the patients skin to immobilize the area, decrease muscle spasms before surgery, or to reduce a fracture
What is Bryant traction for
hip dysplasia in children (dislocation)
What is Buck’s traction for
hip fractures in adults
What is skeletal traction
screws are inserted into the bone, used for long bone fractures
What is Halo traction for
used for cervical bone fractures
How to care for weights being used on a patient
- do not lift or remove weights
- do NOT let them rest on the floor, they should be hanging freely
How to treat muscle spasms
- analgesics, muscle relaxants
- reposition
- heat or massage
What if the muscle spasm are unrelieved?
report it to the provider
How to care for halo traction
make sure wrench/screwdriver are attached to the vest
why?
to release the pt from the device in a event of an emergency
How to move a pt in Halo traction
move pt as a unit, do NOT apply pressures to the rods
