Clavicle Strap Application
Also called a figure-eight strap, a clavicle strap reduces and immobilizes fractures of the clavicle. It does this by elevating, extending, and supporting the shoulders in position for healing, known as the position of attention. A commercially available figure-eight strap or a 4″ elastic bandage may serve as a clavicle strap. (See Types of clavicle straps, page 178.) This strap is contraindicated for an uncooperative patient.
Equipment
Powder or cornstarch ▪ figure-eight clavicle strap or 4″ elastic bandage ▪ safety pins, if necessary ▪ tape ▪ cotton batting or padding ▪ marking pen ▪ analgesics, as ordered ▪ Optional: scissors.
Implementation
Verify the doctor’s order.
Gather the equipment.
Confirm the patient’s identity using at least two patient identifiers according to your facility’s policy.1
Explain the procedure to the patient and provide privacy.
Help the patient take off his shirt or cut off the shirt if movement is too painful.
Assess arm neurovascular integrity by palpating skin temperature; noting the color and temperature of the hand and fingers; palpating the radial, ulnar, and brachial pulses bilaterally; and then comparing the affected with the unaffected side. Ask the patient about any numbness or tingling distal to the injury, and assess his motor function.
Determine the patient’s degree of comfort and administer analgesics as ordered, using safe medication administration practices. Perform a follow-up pain assessment and notify the doctor if pain isn’t adequately controlled.5
Demonstrate how to assume the position of attention. Instruct the patient to sit upright and assume this position gradually to minimize pain.
Gently apply powder or cornstarch, as appropriate, to the axillae and shoulder area to reduce friction from the clavicle strap. You can use cornstarch if the patient is allergic to powder.
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