Splint care Quiz: Test!

Splint usage can lead to stiffness, weakness, and pressure areas. Stiffness can occur due to immobilization of the affected area for a prolonged period, causing the muscles and joints to become stiff. Weakness may result from disuse of the muscles while the splint is in place. Pressure areas can develop due to constant pressure and friction between the splint and the skin, leading to skin breakdown and discomfort. Therefore, all of these complications are possible when using a splint.

When designing a template for a splint, it is important to hold the pen perpendicular to the paper to ensure accurate markings. It is also crucial to mark creases before removing the hand to ensure proper alignment and fit of the splint. Additionally, marking bony landmarks before moving the hand helps in creating a splint that provides adequate support and stability. Therefore, all of the above options are important considerations when designing a splint template.

The correct answer is A and C. After fitting a splint, it is important for the patient to understand when and how to take the splint on/off to ensure proper usage and prevent any further injury. Additionally, they should be aware of how to wash their hands and check their skin for any signs of irritation or infection. These instructions are crucial for the patient's comfort and safety while using the splint.

To shape a splint, it is best to use the base of your palm. This is because the base of your palm provides a larger surface area and more stability compared to using your thumbs or knuckles. Using the base of your palm allows for better control and even pressure distribution when shaping the splint, ensuring that it is properly formed to provide support and immobilization. Tongs may not be suitable for shaping a splint as they are typically used for gripping and holding objects.

A splint will not be effective if the patient is not compliant with wearing the splint and if the splint is not keeping the hand in the correct position. Compliance is important because if the patient does not consistently wear the splint as instructed, it will not provide the necessary support and immobilization for the affected area. Additionally, if the splint is not properly positioned, it may not effectively stabilize the hand and promote healing. Therefore, both factors, non-compliance and incorrect positioning, can render the splint ineffective.

Before molding the thermoplastic to the patient, it is important to have the patient's hand in the appropriate position. Additionally, it is necessary to test the thermoplastic on yourself first. This allows for the thermoplastic to be partially molded and ensures that it is not too hot when applied to the patient's hand. By following these steps, the therapist can ensure that the molding process is done correctly and safely.

The goals of splinting are to either immobilize or mobilize a specific body part. Immobilization is used to restrict movement and stabilize a fracture or injured joint, allowing it to heal properly. Mobilization, on the other hand, aims to promote movement and prevent stiffness or muscle atrophy in the affected area. By providing support and protection, splinting can help facilitate both immobilization and mobilization, depending on the specific needs of the patient and their injury.

A splint for Dequervain's should leave the IP joint of the thumb free to move. Dequervain's is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. A splint is often used to immobilize the wrist and thumb to reduce pain and promote healing. However, it is important to keep the IP joint of the thumb free to move because it allows for essential functions such as grasping and pinching. Restricting movement at this joint could hinder daily activities and slow down the recovery process.

Ezeform is a thermoplastic that is known for being easy to work with and forgiving of mistakes. This means that it can be easily shaped and molded without the risk of permanent damage or mistakes. It allows for adjustments and corrections to be made during the shaping process, making it a popular choice for various applications where flexibility and ease of use are important factors.

When changing a splint for a mallet finger, the most important thing is to maintain the DIP joint in hyperextension. This is because hyperextension helps to keep the DIP joint in the correct position and allows for proper healing of the tendon. Checking the ROM of the DIP joint, assessing if there is a lag present, and looking for swelling are also important steps in the process, but maintaining the DIP joint in hyperextension takes precedence.