Managing the Patient With Splints and Braces

Managing the Patient With Splints and Braces

Contoured splints of plaster or pliable thermoplastic materials may be used for conditions that do not require rigid immobiliza-tion, for those in which swelling may be anticipated, and for those that require special skin care. The splint needs to immobilize and support the body part in a functional position. The splint must be well padded to prevent pressure, skin abrasion, and skin break-down. The splint is overwrapped with an elastic bandage applied in a spiral fashion and with pressure uniformly distributed so that the circulation is not restricted. The nurse frequently assesses the neurovascular status and skin integrity of the splinted extremity.

Soft immobilizers may be used to support an injured body part. Usually, the extremity is wrapped with an elastic bandage and then secured in a padded, contoured, canvas immobilizer. Rigid immobilization is not achieved. The nurse provides skin care and makes adjustments for swelling.

For long-term use, braces (orthoses) are used to provide sup-port, control movement, and prevent additional injury. They are custom fitted to various parts of the body. Braces may be con-structed of plastic materials, canvas, leather, or metal. The or-thotist adjusts the brace for fit, positioning, and motion.

The nurse helps the patient learn to apply the brace and to protect the skin from irritation and breakdown. The nurse also assesses neurovascular integrity and comfort when the patient is

wearing the brace, encourages the patient to wear the brace as pre-scribed, and reassures the patient that minor adjustments of the brace by the orthotist will increase comfort and minimize prob-lems associated with its long-term use.