How do you apply a cast?

How do you apply a cast?

How Are Casts Put On?

1. wraps a liner of soft material around the injured area (for a waterproof cast, a different liner is used)
2. wets the cast material with water.
3. wraps the cast material around the first layer.
4. waits until the outer layer dries to a hard, protective covering.

When applying a cast the plaster is applied?

Apply the plaster by unrolling the bandage as it rests on the limb. Do not lift it up from the patient or apply tension to the roll. Overlap the previous layer of plaster by about half the width of the roll. 6.

When do you apply a cast?

Casts and splints are used when a bone is broken. They can also be used following orthopedic surgery. Sometimes splints are used immediately following an injury due to swelling of the affected area. After the swelling goes down, then a full cast might be applied to the injured limb.

How is a fiberglass cast applied?

Fiberglass casts are applied in a similar manner to plaster casts. A stockinette is placed on the injured area, then wrapped in soft cotton padding. The fiberglass is then soaked in water and wrapped around the area in several layers. Fiberglass casts dry within a few hours.

How do you apply cast padding?

Apply cast padding by beginning about 1 inch (2-3 cm) beyond the distal end of the area that will be casted. Roll the cast padding circumferentially from distal to proximal, making sure to overlap the previous layer by 50%. This will provide two layers of padding. Ideally you should have two to three layers of padding.

How do you relieve itching under a cast?

A cast can cause your child’s underlying skin to feel itchy. To relieve itchy skin, turn a hair dryer on a cool setting and aim it under the cast. Don’t allow your child to stick objects, such as a coat hanger, inside the cast to scratch his or her skin. This could cause an injury or infection.

How long does it take to set a cast?

Be especially careful with a plaster cast for the first 1 to 2 days because it can easily crack or break while it is drying and hardening. It can take up to 24 to 48 hours for the cast to completely harden.

What to do during the cast application process?

Nursing Management Prepare the client for cast application. Explain the procedure and what to expect. Assist the health care provider during application of the cast as needed. After the cast application, provide cast care. Support an exposed cast, with the palms of your hands to prevent indentations. Initiate pain relief measure if indicated.

What kind of cast do you need for a broken arm?

Ask the doctor what type of cast will be put on. Depending upon which bone is broken, the cast may be either short or long. A short arm cast is usually used if a wrist bone is broken. This cast would extend from the knuckles to below the elbow.

How long does it take for a plaster cast to set?

Expose the fresh plaster cast to circulating air, uncovered, until dry (24 to 72 hours). Expose the fresh synthetic cast until it is completely set (about 20 minutes). Instruct the client to avoid wetting the cast.

When to use a short or long arm cast?

A short arm cast is usually used if a wrist bone is broken. This cast would extend from the knuckles to below the elbow. (Sometimes a long cast will be used to prevent the person from twisting his wrist and putting it out of alignment.) A long arm cast is put on if the forearm or elbow is broken.