C - Collars immobilizes atleast 60% - 70% of the head and neck. Continous manual stabilization of the neck is necessary even with c-collar applied until the patient is in the Spine Boards with head immobilizer on. Cervical collars allow 30 percent of normal flexion and extension, 45 percent of normal rotation, and 65 percent of normal lateral bending. Sizing the collar: The length and width of the neck varies from one person to the next. It is crucial to note that the height of an individual has no relationship to the length of his or her neck. In another words, a very tall male may have a very short, squat neck, while a petite female may have a slender, long neck. In order to pick the correct collar, you must measure the neck. One common method is as follows: 1) Achieve a lateral view of the patients neck by looking from the side of the body. 2) Bring your fingers and thumb together as if you were going to salute. 3) Rest your outstretched hand on the base of the patients shoulder, pinky finger side down. 4) With your eye, draw an imaginary line sticking straight forward from the bottom of the patients chin. 5) Note which finger matches the level of that imaginary line. 6) Count the number of your fingers, from the pinky to the imaginary line. For example: if your index finger matches the line, you have 4 fingers worth of space to fill with the collar. Fitting the collar: Placing the cervical collar on the patient should be accurate and precise. Often, the chin section of the collar is placed in the correct position first, with the rest of the collar carefully wrapped around the neck and affixed with hook-and-loop fasteners. Once secured, the collar should be snug enough to keep your patient from nodding his head downward, but not so tight as to keep him from opening his mouth. Adjust the collar as necessary until it fits correctly; if it is the wrong size, replace it immediately. - intermedic
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 07:26:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015