With the availability of ultrasound for IV access we have gotten to the point where IV sites adjacent to joints are rare. However, when this is necessary, we use a Freedom Splint from Posey to partially immobilize the joint. The device is essentially a little pillow which surrounds the limb and is strapped in place with Velcro. It is not considered a restraint, though one applied to each elbow can prevent a patient from pulling out his NG tube.
Jerry Bartholomew RN BSN CRNI Vascular Access Specialist Veterans Affairs Medical Center Spokane, Washington -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lynn Hadaway Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 2:02 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Handboards I need some feedback about your perceptions, current policies and procedures about the use of handboards when an IV site is located in an area of joint flexion. Do you consider the use of a handboard to be a form of restraint? Do you routinely use a handboard when the site is in an area of joint flexion? If not, why have you moved away from this practice. Thanks for your comments. Lynn -- Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RNC, CRNI Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc. 126 Main Street, PO Box 10 Milner, GA 30257 http://www.hadawayassociates.com office 770-358-7861
