Essential Nursing Techniques: Focus on Splints and Immobilizers

A splint is a medical device used to support and protect an injured part of the body, typically made of rigid materials like wood or metal to prevent movement and aid in healing.

Traction splints are specifically designed for immobilizing and pulling on contracted muscles. They are not meant for allowing the limb to move freely, inflating muscles, or stabilizing sprained joints through compression.

Molded splints are orthotic devices made of rigid materials. They provide support and stability for chronic injuries or diseases, unlike soft padding for acute injuries, heat therapy applications, or flexible and elastic options for easy movement.

Whiplash or a whiplash injury refers to a neck strain, which is a common type of soft tissue injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly forced back and forth, causing pain and stiffness.

Braces are commonly used in orthopedics and dentistry to provide support and alignment to weakened or misaligned structures.

Functional braces are designed to provide stability specifically for unstable joints. While pain relief, improved flexibility, and prevention of muscle soreness may be benefits of other types of braces, they are not the main purpose of functional braces.

A cast is a rigid mold used to immobilize and support an injured body part, allowing it to heal properly. It is not used for securing bandages, performing medical procedures, or monitoring vital signs.

A bivalved cast refers to a cast that is cut in two pieces lengthwise to allow for easier removal and reapplication.

A spica cast is a type of orthopedic cast used to immobilize and support one or more limbs and the trunk. It is commonly used for hip or thigh injuries in children.

Fiberglass casts are generally lighter, dry more quickly, and are more durable than plaster casts. They are not heavier, do not take longer to dry, and are not more flexible or less restrictive compared to plaster casts.

Inflatable splints are designed to be filled with air to provide immobilization and rigidity. They are commonly used in emergency medicine to stabilize fractures and injuries, while also preventing excessive movement, bleeding, and swelling.

A Thomas splint is a device used for immobilizing and stabilizing a fractured limb, and improper application can lead to additional injuries.

Immobilizers are specialized splints used for limiting motion in injured areas, not pain medication, physical therapy devices, or footwear.

A cervical collar is a medical device used for specific therapeutic purposes related to neck injuries.

A sling is a cloth device used for medical purposes to support and cradle parts of the body after an injury or for immobilization.

Prophylactic braces are specifically designed to prevent or reduce the severity of joint injuries by providing support and stability to vulnerable areas.

Rehabilitative braces are specifically used to allow protected motion in joints that have undergone operative treatment, as opposed to immobilizing or preventing injuries in joints.

A cylinder cast typically encircles an arm or leg and leaves the toes or fingers exposed, extending from the joints above and below the affected bone to provide support and aid in healing.

A body cast is specifically designed to encase the trunk of the body, in contrast to extremity casts used for arms or legs.

Traction, in the context of healthcare or anatomy, refers to a pulling force applied to a part of the body. It is commonly used in medical treatments to help align and stabilize fractures or dislocations.

Manual traction involves the physical act of pulling on the body using only the hands and muscular strength, without the use of any machinery or heat application. It is often used in medical settings to help relieve pressure or align bones and joints.

Skin traction is a method commonly used in orthopedic medicine to provide temporary immobilization and alignment of fractured bones or dislocated joints by applying pulling force through devices attached to the skin.

Skeletal traction involves a direct pull on the skeletal system by using wires, pins, or tongs inserted into or through a bone to treat fractures or other orthopedic conditions.

An external fixator is a specific metal device used for stabilizing broken bones, not a bandage, medication, or surgical procedure.

A pin site refers to the specific location where medical pins, wires, or tongs are inserted into or removed from the skin for purposes such as traction or stabilization.

Supporting the wet cast with the palms of the hands prevents indentations and pressure areas on the underlying tissue while allowing for proper drying on a soft surface.

The correct technique for assessing circulation in a casted extremity is by performing the blanching test to determine capillary refill time. Asking about the weight of the cast, feeling for temperature, or checking for space between the cast and skin are not reliable methods for assessing circulation.

Purulent drainage is sometimes referred to as pus, which indicates the presence of white blood cells fighting off infecting microorganisms. Serous drainage is clear, bloody drainage indicates trauma, and mucoid drainage is sticky and released from mucous membranes.