Lifespan Considerations

1) Restraints

Infants

Elbow restraints (Figure 32.12) are used to prevent infants or small children from flexing their
elbows to touch or reach their face or head, especially after surgery. Ready-made elbow restraints are
available commercially.

A mummy restraint (Figure 32.13) is a folding of a blanket or sheet around the infant to prevent
movement during a procedure, such as eye irrigation or collection of a blood specimen.

 Obtain a blanket or sheet large enough so that the distance between opposite corners
is about twice the length of the infant’s body. Lay the blanket or sheet on a flat, dry
surface.
 Fold down one corner, and place the baby on it in the supine position.
 Fold the right side of the blanket over the infant’s body, leaving the left arm free (see
Figure 32.13A). The right arm is in a natural position at the side.
 Fold the excess blanket at the bottom up under the infant (see Figure 32.13B, 2).
 With the left arm in a natural position at the baby’s side, fold the left side of the blanket
over the infant, including the arm, and tuck the blanket under the body (see Figure
32.13B, 3).
 Remain with the infant who is in a mummy restraint until the specific procedure is
completed.
Children
A crib net is simply a device placed over the top of a crib to prevent active young children from climbing
out of the crib. At the same time, it allows them freedom to move about in the crib. The crib net or
dome is not attached to the movable parts of the crib so that the caregiver can have access to the child
without removing the dome or net.
 Place the net over the sides and ends of the crib.
 Secure the ties to the springs or frame of the crib. The crib sides can then be freely lowered
without removing the net.
 Test with your hand that the net will stretch if the child stands against it in the crib