Page 349 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY MEDIAL LATERAL SPLINT
081-834-0068
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient requiring a Medial/Lateral splint supine on a orthopaedic
examination bed, nursing personnel, family member, physician, physician's verbal or written order,
patient's medical record, or Standard Form 513(consultation form), pen , work cart/station, (4) rolls of 6
inch plaster , box of 5 x 30 inch plaster reinforcement sheets, (4) rolls of 6 inch webril, examination
gloves, scissors,(4) elastic bandages, roll of 2 inch adhesive tape, (2) hospital pads(chux), bed sheet,
pillow, disposable paper shorts, goniometer, ruler, tape measure, bucket of tepid water w/ plastic bag,
thermometer, cast care booklet or equivalent, box of alcohol pads, damp wash cloth or towel, sink w/
faucet, orthopaedic bump, thigh holder,1 pair of crutches and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when a medial/lateral splint is secured to the patient's injured leg from 4 inches
distal to the groin( on the medial side) and 1 inch distal to the greater trochanter( on the lateral side) to 2
inches proximal to the medial malleolus, with (4) elastic bandages.The knee is measured between 0-15
degrees of flexion, with toes and ankle having full range of motion. Capillary refill test is administrated
to the toes and passed successfully.

Performance Steps
1. Receive the order from the physician( review if in writing)

2. Identify yourself to the patient.
NOTE; Tell the patient your name and job title.

3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
NOTE: The Medial/Lateral splint is applied from 4 inches distal of the groin ( on the medial side of
injured leg) to 2 inches proximal to the medial malleolus and from 2 inches distal to the greater
trochanter(on the lateral aspect of the injured leg ) to 2 inches proximal to the lateral malleolus.. The
knee will be flexed between 0-15 degrees. The toes and ankle will have full range of motion(ROM).

CAUTION: During splinting application a chemical response(exothermic reaction) will occur between the
water (H2O) and the plaster (gypsum). This is a safe and common occurrence. The splint will initially
become warm and cool down within 2-5 minutes. However, if it doesn't cool down or there is an increase
of heat intensity during the cast application, the splint may need to be removed.

4. Inspect patient's legs.
a. Place examination gloves on hands.
Caution: Always practice Body Substance Isolation (BSI) prior to applying traction, splints or casts to
patients.
b. Place patient supine on examination bed.
c. Remove patient's pants and place sheet over lap.
d. Inspect both legs for any skin conditions(e.g. cuts, abrasions, laceration and skin rashes).
NOTE: Inform physician if conditions are present and follow physician's instruction.
e. Examine both legs for jewelry and remove if found.
NOTE: All jewelry on both legs must be removed. Give jewelry and clothing to family member or secure
with patient's belongings in NCOIC office.

5. Check capillary refill of patient's toes.
a. Squeeze patient's toes and nail beds will turn white .
b. Release patient's toes and nail beds will return pink .
CAUTION: If capillary refill is delayed for more than 2 seconds inform physician and follow physician's
instruction.

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