Mechanical Immobilization Chapter 25: Mechanical Immobilization

Purposes of Mechanical Immobilization These people have suffered trauma to musculoskeletal system Relieves pain and muscle spasm Supports and aligns skeletal injuries Restricts movement while injuries heal Maintains a functional position until healing is complete Allows activity while restricting movement of an injured area Prevents further structural damage and deformity

Question Is the following statement true or false? Mechanical immobilization of a body part can relieve muscular pain.

Answer True. Most clients who require mechanical immobilization have suffered trauma to the musculoskeletal system. Mechanical immobilization relieves muscular pain and spasms.

Splints Emergency splints Commercial splints Inflatable splints- becomes rigid when air is supplied Traction splints-metal device that pulls on contracted muscles

Splints Immobilizers-made cloth, foam and velcro Molded splints- rigid material; used for chronic conditions Cervical collars

Question Is the following statement true or false? A splint is a device that mobilizes and protects an injured body part.

Answer False. A splint is a device that immobilizes and protects an injured body part. Splints are used before or instead of casts or traction.

Mechanical Immobilizing Devices Slings Braces Types of braces Prophylactic(A) Rehabilitative© Functional(B)

Question Is the following statement true or false? Braces that allow protected motion of an injured joint that has been treated operatively are called rehabilitative braces.

Answer True. Braces that allow protected motion of an injured joint that has been treated operatively belong to the category of rehabilitative braces.

Casts Casts are used to immobilize injured body structures Types of casts Cylinder cast Body cast Bivalved cast Spica cast

Cast materials Plaster of Paris(POP) Advantages-inexpensive, easy to apply, low incidence of allergic reaction Disadvantage-takes 24-48 hours to dry, heavy, prone to cracking, weight bearing only after it dries, softens when wet Fiberglass Advantages-light weight, porous, dries in 5-15 min. allows for weight bearing immediately, durable, unaffected by water Disadvantage-Expensive, not recommended for severe injuries with swelling, macerates skin if padding becomes wet, Cast edges can be sharp and cause skin abrasions.

Casts (cont’d) Cast application and care-Prepare client, assemble supplies and assist doctor in application Fiberglass requires UV light to harden Cast removal Electric cast cutter may frighten clients due to noise Skin care important after cast removal

Traction Traction: pulling effect exerted on a part of the skeletal system Uses Reducing muscle spasms Realigning bones Relieving pain Preventing deformities

Traction (cont’d) Traction types include: Manual Skin-pelvic belt or cervical halter Skeletal

Traction (cont’d) Traction care External fixator Pin site care to prevent infection Effective traction depends on consistent application of traction principles

External Fixators Metal devices surgically inserted into or through one or more broken bones to stabilize during healing

Question An external fixator is inserted through which body part? a. Nostrils b. Broken bones c. Mouth d. A gaping wound in the leg

Answer b. Broken bones An external fixator is a metal device inserted into and through one or more broken bones to stabilize fragments during healing.

Nursing Implications Nursing diagnoses include: Acute pain; impaired physical mobility or bed mobility Risk for disuse syndrome, peripheral neurovascular dysfunction, impaired skin integrity, ineffective tissue perfusion Self-care deficit: bathing/hygiene