Authors

  1. Rushing, Jill RN, MSN

Article Content

YOU MAY NEED TO temporarily immobilize an infant or a young child during a healthcare-related procedure to ensure his safety and the success of the procedure. Restraining him skillfully, and only when necessary, will minimize his stress and that of his family.

 

DO

 

* Explain the reason for the restraint, but don't call it a mummy restraint because this term may frighten an older child or his parents. Tell them that it's only temporary.

 

* Encourage parental participation. Explain how parents can emotionally support their child by staying near him, talking softly, or stroking him.

 

* Place a small blanket on the examination table or bed on a diagonal, then fold down one corner.

 

* Put the child on the blanket, with his shoulders along the folded edge and his head above the edge of the fold.

 

* Continuously monitor the child's airway and circulation.

 

* Modify the mummy wrap as needed to provide access to different parts of the child's body, depending upon the procedure.

 

* Properly position the child for the procedure and provide support and guidance during it.

 

* Remove the restraint as soon as it's no longer necessary. Document the need for and use of the restraint.

 

DON'T

 

* Don't cover the child's face.

 

* Don't obstruct his airway.

 

* Don't impair his circulation.

 

RESOURCES

 

Bowden VR, Greenberg CS. Pediatric Nursing Procedures. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.

 

Hockenberry MJ, Wison D. Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children. 8th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2007.

 

Smith-Temple J, Johnson JY, eds. Nurses' Guide to Clinical Procedures. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006.

 

Tomlinson D. Physical restraint during procedures: issues and implications for practice. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2004;21(5):258-263.