Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 142 USE OF ARM OR LEG SPLINT PURPOSE: Splints are used to help prevent contractures and to maintain extremity in the correct anatomical position. All splints should be custom fitted and require a physician's order. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, HHA, PT, LPN EQUIPMENT: Splint PROCEDURE: 1. Explain procedure. 2. Apply splint to extremity. 3. Make sure splint does not press against other body parts. Instruct caregiver to check regularly for signs of pressure. 4. If pressure is noted, instruct family to report it to the Home Health staff. 5. Clean splint with cold water and dry thoroughly. Protect from direct sunlight or heat. DOCUMENTATION: Document the procedure, the patient's tolerance, the effect of the procedure and any untoward effects on the clinical visit note. Document all teaching and the response of the patient or caregiver to the teaching in the clinical visit note. ____________________________________________________