Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts Chapter 25

Which is a device that immobilizes and protects an injured body part.

Are immobilizing devices that become rigid when filled with air (Fig. 25-2). In addition to limiting motion, they control bleeding and swelling

are metal devices that immobilize and pull on contracted muscles. They are not as easy to apply as inflatable splints.

Which requires special training for its application to prevent additional injuries

Are commercial splints made from cloth and foam and held in place by adjustable Velcro straps (Fig. 25-4). As the name implies, immobilizers limit motion in the area of a painful but healing injury such as the neck and knee. They are removed for brief periods during hygiene and dressing.

Are orthotic devices made of rigid materials and used for chronic injuries or diseases. They may be appropriate for clients with repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

A foam or rigid splint placed around the neck. It is used to treat athletic neck injuries and other trauma that results in a neck sprain or strain

Neck strain

A cloth device used to elevate, cradle, and support parts of the body. Slings are applied commonly to the arm (Fig. 25-8), leg, or pelvis after immobilization and examination of the injury.

Are custom-made or custom-fitted devices designed to support weakened structures.

Those used to prevent or reduce the severity of a joint injury),

Those that allow protected motion of an injured joint that has been treated operatively

Those that provide stability for an unstable joint

rigid mold placed around an injured body part after it has been restored to correct anatomic alignment

Encircles an arm or leg and leaves the toes or fingers exposed. The cast extends from the joints above and below the affected bone.