Cast care

Question 1

In the first 24 hours of a patient getting a cast, where do we put the ice packs? why?

Answer 1

• on the side
• if we put it on the top

, it could cause an indentation and result in a pressure sore underneath

Question 2

how do you move or pick up a casted extremity in the 1st 24 hours?

Answer 2

with your palm because the material is till wet, we don’t want to indent it with our finger tips

Question 3

why do we want to keep it uncovered and dry?

DO NOT COVER UP A CAST THAT IS NOT DONE DRYING… DON’T COVER UP CAST AT ALL!

Answer 3

when casting material is wet, it generates heat.

so, you have the area all covered up, the heat cannot escape. *especially if we have a diabetic with an injured foot*

Question 4

Do not rest the cast on a ___ surface or a ___edge

Answer 4

hard; sharp (becaus we do not want to indent it whatsoever0

Question 5

cover the cast close to the groin with___.

Answer 5

plastic

Question 6

what position should the cast be maintained?

Answer 6

elevated or at heart level

Question 7

always make sure you do what kind of checks?

Answer 7

neurovascular checks

Question 8

what do you do first if your patient complains of pain?

Answer 8

a neurovascular check... if it’s ok, you can give them their pain meds.

check back in 15-30 mins to see if the pain is not relieve and if it’s not, call the doctor

Question 9

after giving this patient their pain meds, you better be sure and do what in 30 mins?

Answer 9

reassess for pain relief. if they’re still hurting, assume compartment syndrome

Question 10

do you ever let people stick things down into casts?

Answer 10

no.. NOTHING goes into the cast. not even a q-tip

Question 11

if someone is complaining of itching under the cast, what can you offer them?

Answer 11

a cool blow dryer

we don’t want them to use heat on the cast because they will sweat underneath it and may cause an infection