Chapter 67 Flashcards
What is a short-arm cast?
Extends from elbow to palmar crease, secured at base of thumb. When the thumb is included, it is a thumb spica or gauntlet cast.
What a cast?
A rigid external immobilizing device.
What is a long-arm cast?
Extends from axilla to palmar crease.
What is a short-leg cast?
Extends from knee to base of toes.
What is a long-leg cast?
Extends from junction of upper and middle thigh to base of toes.
What is a walking cast?
He short or long leg cast reinforced for strength.
What is a body cast?
It encircles the trunk.
What is a shoulder spica cast?
The body jacket that encloses the trunk shoulder and elbow.
What is a hip spica cast?
It encloses the trunk and lower extremities.
What are fiberglass casts?
They are casts that are lighter weight stronger and more durable than plaster casts.
What are plaster casts?
They are cheaper and more easy to mold but are not as durable and take longer to dry.
What are splints used for?
Conditions that don’t require rigid immobilization.
What are braces used for?
Support, control movement and prevent additional injury.
Why should unrelieved pain be reported to the physician immediately?
To avoid paralysis and necrosis.
What is compartment syndrome?
A life-threatening and limb threatening condition, when there is insufficient blood supply to muscles and nerves due to increased pressure within a compartment such as an arm or a leg or any enclosed space within the body.
How can braces or casts cause pressure ulcers?
Tissue anoxia may lead to tissue breakdown and necrosis.
What is disuse syndrome?
Muscle atrophy due to immobilization in a cast.