cast care
DESCRIPTION
Cast Care. Chapter 55, Patient Education Lesson 2 Pearson's Comprehensive Medical Assisting, 2 nd ed. Beaman , Fleming- McPhillips , Routh , Gohsman , and Reagan, Pearson 2011 MA100: Instructor Mayra Howells. Preparing a Patient for a Cast Application. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Cast Care
Chapter 55, Patient Education Lesson 2Pearson's Comprehensive Medical Assisting, 2nd ed.
Beaman, Fleming-McPhillips, Routh, Gohsman, and Reagan, Pearson 2011
MA100: Instructor Mayra Howells
Explain that casts are a form of inflexible bandage that are applied for the purpose of immobilizing a broken bone or muscle strain and sprain
A cast may be applied after a surgical procedure on a limb to immobilize the area until healing takes place
Preparing a Patient for a Cast Application
Cast material (bandage roll or tape) Container of warm water Stockinette Webril (sheer wadding) padding rolls Bandage scissors Rubber gloves Sponge rubber (for padding)
Instruments Used for Cast Application
It may be necessary to hold the limb at the joint areas as the cast is being applied
Remember to handle a damaged limb gently
Assisting the Physician with Cast Application
After the cast has been applied, it must be left uncovered during the drying process
The limb may need to be supported on a pillow at this time
The patient should be cautioned against moving around until the cast is dry
The cast may feel warm or even hot during the drying process – Reassure the patient that this is normal
Assisting the Physician with Cast Application
Circulation restricted by the cast Pain as a result of the cast pinching the skin Excessive itching under the cast Numbness or tingling of fingers or toes Discolored toes or fingers Swelling of the limb around the edge of the cast Discoloration soaking through the cast Loosely-fitting cast Foul odor coming from the cast
Observations that Patients Should Report
Short arm cast (SAC)– Extends from the finger to just below the
elbow – Used for a fracture or dislocation of the wrist or forearm
Long arm cast (LAC)– Extends from the fingers to the axilla, with a
bend at the elbow – Used for a fracture of the upper arm
Long and short leg casts– Extend from the thigh to the toes (LLC) or
from below the knee to the toes (SLC) – They usually include an embedded walking heel
Types of Casts
Clean the cast with a damp cloth Do not cut or trim the cast – If the edge seems sharp,
apply masking tape to the sharp edge or use a nail file to trim it down
Elevate the extremity with the cast on it to reduce swelling and pain
Observe the fingers and toes for color changes, temperature changes, pain, tingling, or decreased sensation
When decorating a cast, use only water-soluble paints or marking pens – Otherwise the cast will not be able to breathe
Patient Cast Care
Call the physician’s office if you smell a bad odor coming from the cast, lose sensation or blood flow beyond the cast, feel a burning sensation, or notice blood coming from the cast
After being sure that the patient understands the importance of cast care, the medical assistant must document the teaching in the patient chart
Patient Cast Care
Cast cutterCast spreaderBandage scissorsBag for disposing of cast materialsDrape
Equipment Needed for Cast Removal
After washing hands and draping the patient, explain the process to the patient
The cutter vibrates and does not spin The patient may feel some pressure and warmth The patient may be shocked to see that the skin
under the cast has become white and the muscle tone has decreased, and may need some reassurance that physical therapy will improve the function and appearance of the limb
Procedure for Cast Removal
The MA should stand near the physician and hand the necessary equipment as requested
After the cast is removed, the medical assistant shouldProvide written instructions for post cast careClean the equipmentWash handsDocument the procedure in the patient chart
Procedure for Cast Removal