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    Casts

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    Amoit erot festus

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    Casts

    Uploaded by

    Amoit erot festus
    3 views7 pages

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    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    3 views7 pages

    Casts

    Uploaded by

    Amoit erot festus

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    CASTS Group 5b and 6b

    INTRODUCTION
    • Casts are constructed from gauze strips and bandages impregnated with;
    Plaster of Paris or, more commonly from
    Synthetic lighter weight and water resistant materials(e.g. waterproof liners,
    fiberglass and polyurethane resin)
    • The completeness of the fracture, the type of bone involved, and the amount of
    weight bearing, influence how much of the extremity must be included in the cast
    to immobilize the fracture site completely.
    • In most cases, the joints above and below the fracture are immobilized to
    eliminate the possibility of movement that might cause displacement at the
    fracture site.
    • Four major categories of casts are used for fractures:
    i. Upper extremity to immobilize the wrist or elbow
    ii. Lower extremity to immobilize the ankle or knee
    iii. Spinal and cervical to immobilize the spine
    iv. Spica casts to immobilize the hip and knee
    TYPES OF CASTS
    NURSING MANAGEMENT
    • The complete evaporation of water from a hip spica cast can take 24 to 48 hours
    when older types of plaster materials are used. Drying occurs within minutes with
    fiberglass cast material. The cast must remain uncovered to allow it to dry from
    the inside out.
    The nurse should do the following if the child is inpatient and if not, educate the
    parents on how to care for the child.
    • Turning the child in a plaster cast at least 2hours will help to dry a body cast
    evenly and prevent complications related to immobility.
    • Keep the casted extremity elevated on pillows or similar support for the first day.
    • Avoid denting the plaster cast with fingertips(use palms of hand to handle) while it
    is still wet to avoid creating pressure points.
    • Expose the plaster cast to air until dry.
    • Observe the extremities(fingers or toes)for any evidence of swelling or
    discoloration(darker or lighter than a comparable extremity) and contact the
    health professional if noted.
    • Check movement and sensation of the visible extremities frequently.
    • Restrict strenuous activities for the first few days.
    • Engage in quiet activities but encourage use of muscles.
    • Move the joints above and below the cast on the affected extremity.
    • Encourage frequent rest for a few days, keeping the injured extremity elevated
    while resting.
    • Avoid allowing the affected limb to hang in a dependent position for any length of
    time.
    • Keep an injured upper extremity elevated(e.g. in a sling) while upright.
    • Elevate a lower limb when sitting and avoid standing for too long.
    • Do not allow the child to put anything inside the cast. Keep small items that might
    be placed inside the cast away from small children.
    • Keep a clear path for ambulation. Remove toys, hazardous floor rugs, pets and
    other items over which the child might stumble.
    • Use crutches appropriately if lower limb fracture requires non-weight bearing on
    affected extremity.
    • The crutches should fit properly, have a soft rubber tip to prevent slipping, and be
    well padded at the axilla.
    • With crutch walking, the child’s body weight is supported on the hand grips, not
    the axilla

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