Lab - Splinting and Immob

Question 1

4 whys of splinting

Answer 1

decrease pain and minimize discomfort
decrease tissue damage
minimize effects of associated injuries (bleeding)
prevent closed fractures from opening

Question 2

2 types of splints

Answer 2

rigid splints - non-yielding, max support

soft splints - conforming, less stable

Question 3

When do you splint?

Answer 3

when in doubt - before moving the patient

Question 4

Only splint

Answer 4

if you can do so without causing more pain and discomfort

Question 5

How to splint

Answer 5

immobilize the joints above and below the injury site

Question 6

What to do before and after splinting

Answer 6

check for circulation and sensation

Question 7

Severely angulated fractures - 3

Answer 7

potential medical emergency - compromising circulation/nerve function
gentle traction to incorporate limb into a splint - or give pulse to distal limb
an obvious fracture with deformity may be straightened if:
it doesn’t significantly increase the pain
no resistance to the correction

Question 8

Before applying the splint

Answer 8

cover all wounds with a sterile dressing

Question 9

Neck and spine injuries

Answer 9

correct deformity only as much as is necessary to eliminate airway obstruction after first having attempted to clear the obstruction without moving the cervical spine

Question 10

Open fractures

Answer 10

avoid reducing them, if done inadvertently notify the physician

Question 11

Splint so that

Answer 11

there is easy access to distal pulse - toes, fingers…

Question 12

Advantages and disadvantages of rigid splints

Answer 12

non-yielding, max support

may be difficult to position

Question 13

Advantages and disadvantages of soft splints

Answer 13

able to conform

less stable than rigid, air splints may deflate/change pressure

Question 14

3 types of splints

Answer 14

rigid, soft, air

Question 15

air spint

Answer 15

air filled double walled tube

Question 16

3 rules of air splints

Answer 16

inflate by mouth only
changes in air temp - check splint pressure and adjust accordingly
if splint is on for a long time, put in rest period

Question 17

3 advantages of air splints

Answer 17

applies uniform contact
applies gentle, diffuse pressure
x-rays can penetrate

Question 18

Proper application of splint - 3

Answer 18

requires 2 people
1 gently stabilizes and supports the limb and the fracture site
2 places splinting device and pads area to ensure even pressure/contact and protect bony prominence
2 applies the straps to secure the splint

Question 19

if bandages or cravats are used when applying a splint -

Answer 19

applied above and below the fracture site
if splint size permits, bandage should be applied at the top and bottom of splint
tied away from fracture
do not apply the the bandage directly over fracture

Question 20

padding should accompany

Answer 20

application of rigid splints

Question 21

Emergency care of fracture

Answer 21

monitor a patient with a fracture/dislocation for loss of pulse, numbness/paralysis below the injured site

Question 22

4 critical signs of fracture

Answer 22

no pulse/change in pulse
extremity may feel cold
change in skin colour
no sensation

Question 23

ecchymosis

Answer 23

discoloration of the skin from bleeding underneath

Question 24

6 steps of fracture examination

Answer 24

Palpate the bones
tap test and indirect compression test if one is negative
palpate surround bone, joint and soft tissue
assess sensory
assess circulation
assess function

Question 25

Where to splint and procedure after

Answer 25

on the field
transport to sidelines, monitor vitals, assess for shock while awaiting EMS
may decide how and where to transport - hospital, team physician

Question 26

suspected cervical fracture

Answer 26

check myotomes and dermatomes if time permits, type and severity of injury affects decision of immobilizing/transport

Question 27

After fracture/dislocation of emergency situation is ruled out..

Answer 27

finish assessment ending with palpation of soft tissue

• active/passive ROM
• resisted
• special tests
• palpation

Question 28

special test for GH dislocation

Answer 28

spprehension and relocation test, load and shift and sulcus test

Question 29

special test for ankle injury

Answer 29

ant drawer