Tucking arms

[inspir8tion]

I know many times there is more than one viable way to do something.

I was wondering if when tucking arms you tuck the sheet under the patient or under the mattress.

Also, what is your rationale for doing it the way you do.

Thanks!

[sandiegojames]

firm believer in tucking the draw sheet directly under the patient. Tucking under the matress IMHO leaves a larger space for the arm to slip lower than the rest of the body leaving a greater chance for nerve injury.

However, more so than under the patient or under the matress the key is to make sure the draw sheet comes up to just below the axilla before tucking. When the draw sheet is too low (top near the elbow) there is a much greater chance of the arm slipping out.

[Rae83]

I agree, I tuck the draw sheet under the patient and use gel pads or foam to protect the elbow and wrist. I also use sleds which slide under the mattress for two reasons 1) help keep the arm from slipping or coming untucked (especially on larger patients) and 2) to keep surg/asisstants from leaning on the patient.

[OR male nurse]

Funny you would bring this up. I thought I was the only one that was told "you tuck your arms wrong." I was taught to bring the sheet from the outside of the arm and tuck it up under the body also. Of course, using a gel pad or foam. Where I currently work, they do it totally opposite by bringing the sheet from the inside of the arm around to the outside and then tuck it up under the mattress.