Ateneo de Zamboanga University College of Nursing

NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO) Report No. 3 APPLYING A SLING

Description: A sling is a medical device made from cloth or webbing which is designed to help a patient keep an injured body part immobile. Typically, a sling is used to support a broken or sprained arm, and consists of a loop to go around the neck and a wide swath of cloth to hold the arm in. If a patient is advised to use a sling, his or her doctor will decide when the sling can be removed. Many patients find slings useful, especially since the immobilization of an injured limb can greatly reduce pain. Materials/ Equipment Needed: Pin Scissors Cloth Medical tape Board Bandage or dressing

Procedures: 1. Put one triangle end over the persons shoulder on the uninjured side. The point of the triangle should point toward the elbow of the injured arm and be placed under it. 2. Bring the other end of the triangle over the persons shoulder on the injured side. Tie the two ends of the triangle together at the side of the neck. 3. If the nature of the injury or another situation makes this impractical, place some sort of padding beneath the knot. 4. Bring the point of the triangle backward around the persons elbow, and pin it to the back of the sling. 5. Adjust the sling by adjusting the knot or by pinning a tuck in the front of the sling above the persons hand. 6. Elevate the hand 4 to 5 inches above elbow level. 7. Assess for comfort level. 8. Document application of the sling in the client record.

November 25-27,2010 Ahmad, RN, RM Date Que, Honey Sharlotte L.

Mrs. Charlita Clinical Instructor

Diagram/ Illustration

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Before Procedure Gather all equipments/materials needed Explain the purpose of the application of sling Prior to fitting the sling ensure that the shoulders are symmetrical Observe hand hygiene prior to performing the procedure

During Procedure If the nature of the injury or another situation makes impractical, place some sort of padding beneath the knot. Elevate the hand 4 to 5 inches above elbow level.

After Procedure Assess for comfort level. Document application of the sling in the client record.

References: http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/omar%20omari/Documents/Applying%20a%20Sling.pdf http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article.asp?article=68

November 25-27,2010 Ahmad, RN, RM Date Que, Honey Sharlotte L.

Mrs. Charlita Clinical Instructor