Today our topic of discussion is Procedure of Casts.
Procedure of Casts
Procedure
- Explain the procedure to the client .
- Place water proof padding under the affected body part
- Measure and cut the stockinet.
- Roll the stockinet.
- Hold the affected limb in a neutral position grasping the joints as uninjured parts while the physician technicians applies the stockinet.
- Hold the limb in position while the physician applies one to three layers of padding .
- Immerse the correct sized cast roll in cold water squeeze to remove excess water
- Support the body part in anatomical position by grasping the distal position or the unaffected area of the past and holding it above bed surface while physician/ tech.
- Unroll cast material and forms cast dressing .
- Assist with mounding the shape of the cast.
- Provide lubricant of physician/technician desires
- Assist the physician/technician to fold the ends of the stockinet back over the distal and proximal edges of the cast.
- Trim with scissors as necessary.
- If any rough edges still remain petaling of cast edges with 2 to 3 inch long steps of I inch wide adhesive tape can be done.
- Remove excess materials and clean the area as need…
- Assess the client’s response to the cast: Discomfort, pain, chilling, color, movement and sensation of distal parts of casted extremities.
- Compare with the baseline data.
- Support the cast on a pillow until it dries and hardens.
- Do not cover the handle with palms of hands while it is drying .
- Elevate the casted limb above the level of the client’s heart by using pillows, blankets, etc.
- Do not place plastic or rubber under the cast.
- Apply ice bags to the cast if directed by the physicians.
- Reassess neurovascular and circulatory status of the distal part every 2 hours.
- Monitor for swelling of the distal extremity and report it to physician.
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