In a female client with burns on the legs, which nursing intervention helps prevent contractures?
- a- Applying knee splints.
- b- Elevating the foot of the bed.
- c- Hyperextending the client’s palms.
- d- Performing shoulder range-of-motion exercises.
Answer A.
Applying knee splints prevents leg contractures by holding the joints in a position of function.Elevating the foot of the bed can’t prevent contractures because this action doesn’t hold the joints in a position of function.
Hyperextending a body part for an extended time is inappropriate because it can cause contractures.
Performing shoulder range-of-motion exercises can prevent contractures in the shoulders, but not in the legs.
In a female client with burns on the legs, the most helpful nursing intervention to prevent contractures is:
c. Hyperextending the client's palms.
Here's why:
- a. Applying knee splints helps with positioning but doesn't actively address contracture prevention.
- b. Elevating the foot of the bed may help with edema but doesn't specifically prevent contractures.
- d. Performing shoulder range-of-motion exercises are important for overall mobility but not directly relevant to preventing leg contractures.
splinting in abduction:
Hyperextending the client's palms is a technique called "splinting in abduction" which helps prevent contractures of the flexor muscles in the arms. This indirectly helps prevent contractures in the legs by promoting a balanced posture and preventing the client from adopting a flexed position that could lead to leg contractures.
prevention in burn patients:
It's important to note that contracture prevention in burn patients requires a comprehensive approach that includes various interventions like early mobilization, splinting, pressure garments, and scar management. Hyperextending the palms is just one piece of the puzzle, but it can be a valuable tool in specific situations.
nursing intervention:
Remember, choosing the most appropriate nursing intervention always depends on the individual patient's needs and the specific burn characteristics. Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is crucial for optimal burn care and contracture prevention.