Care Plan for Contractures - Splint Use
Care Plan for Contractures - Splint Use
Category / Primary Body System
- Musculoskeletal System
Problem
- Patient is at risk of complications due to contractures and splint use.
Goal
- Patient will tolerate splint use without skin breakdown for 90 days.
Plan/Approach
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Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
- Perform ROM exercises during care as ordered to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.
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Pain and Discomfort Monitoring
- Monitor for any signs or symptoms of pain related to splint use and address promptly.
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Positioning
- Reposition the patient as needed to prevent pressure sores and improve comfort.
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Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Arrange PT/OT evaluations as needed to assess and support the patient's mobility and use of splints.
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Splint Application and Maintenance
- Apply the splint as ordered, ensuring proper fit and comfort.
- Regularly assess the skin for potential new breakdown related to splint use and adjust care as necessary.
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Patient and Family Education
- Educate the patient and family on the importance of ROM exercises and proper splint use.
- Provide instructions on how to monitor for signs of skin breakdown and pain.
Rationale
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Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
- Regular ROM exercises help maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and prevent contractures from worsening.
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Pain and Discomfort Monitoring
- Monitoring and addressing pain ensures that the patient is comfortable and compliant with splint use, which is crucial for effective management.
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Positioning
- Frequent repositioning reduces the risk of pressure sores and improves overall comfort, which is essential for patients using splints.
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Physical and Occupational Therapy
- PT/OT evaluations provide professional guidance on exercises and techniques to maximize the benefits of splint use and prevent complications.
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Splint Application and Maintenance
- Proper application and regular assessment of the splint ensure that it is effective and does not cause additional problems such as skin breakdown.
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Patient and Family Education
- Educating the patient and family empowers them to take an active role in care, improving adherence and outcomes.
Actions
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Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
- Perform ROM exercises with the patient during care routines, ensuring all affected joints are exercised as per the care plan.
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Pain and Discomfort Monitoring
- Assess the patient for signs of pain or discomfort related to splint use, documenting findings and notifying the healthcare provider if adjustments are needed.
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Positioning
- Reposition the patient regularly, at least every two hours or as needed, to prevent pressure sores and promote comfort.
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Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Schedule PT/OT evaluations and follow through with recommended exercises and adjustments to splint use.
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Splint Application and Maintenance
- Apply the splint as ordered, checking for proper fit and ensuring the patient is comfortable.
- Inspect the skin under and around the splint daily, looking for signs of redness, pressure sores, or breakdown, and take appropriate action if any issues are found.
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Patient and Family Education
- Teach the patient and family about the importance of ROM exercises and demonstrate how to perform them correctly.
- Provide information on how to recognize and report signs of skin breakdown and pain, encouraging them to notify staff immediately if they observe any issues.