Restraint of Infants for Treatment or Procedures
Umbilical Artery or Venous Catheter Insertion

 

 Authorised by Charge Nurse - Newborn
April 2007
Clinical Guidelines Back Newborn Services Home Page
Overview Purpose Scope Restraint of Arms Restraint of Legs

Overview

  • Infants are required to be restrained to ensure safe umbilical line insertion

Purpose

  • The following Policy / Recommended Best Practice outlines the criteria for developmentally appropriate restraint practice

Scope

  • Applies to all Nurses and Medical staff working within the Newborn Service

Restraint of Arms

Process
  • Follow the steps below while restraining infants for umbilical line insertion to ensure appropriate positioning.
Step Process
1 Using a cloth nappy fold top right hand corner diagonally into the middle, to form a triangle.
2 Fold the opposite corner into the middle to meet the first fold.
3 Fold the bottom edge up approximately 10 cm to form a pouch.
4 Place infant on folded nappy.
5 Place infant's hands by the side and into the pouch.
6 Fold the right top corner down onto the chest.
7 Fold the bottom right corner up over the chest and tuck under the infants right shoulder. Keep the umbilical area exposed.
8 Repeat for the left side.

Restraint of Legs

Process
  • Follow the steps below while restraining infants for umbilical line insertion to ensure appropriate positioning.
Step Process
1 Using a cloth nappy fold top edge down approximately 10 cm. Slide folded edge under infant to waist level.
2 Keeping legs in a comfortable position, wrap the legs to keep umbilical area exposed.
3 Secure nappy by tucking excess under mattress at base of heat table.
4 For large babies place a towel across the legs and tuck under each side of the mattress.