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casting (casting; a cast is a rigid external immobilizing device that is…
casting
casting; a cast is a rigid external immobilizing device that is molded to the contours of the body. The purposes of a cast are to immobilize a body part in a specific position and to apply uniform pressure on encased soft tissue.
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short arm cast
Extends from below the elbow to the palmar crease, secured around the base of the thumb. If the thumb is included, it is known as a thumb spica or gauntlet cast
short leg cast
Extends from below the knee to the base of the toes. The foot is flexed at a right angle in a neutral position
long arm cast
Extends from the upper level of the axillary fold to the proximal palmar crease. The elbow usually is immobilized at a right angle
long leg cast
:Extends from the junction of the upper and middle third of the thigh to the base of the toes. The knee may be slightly flexed.
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casting materials
non plaster cast
Generally referred to as fiberglass casts, these water-activated polyurethane materials have the versatility of plaster but are lighter in weight, stronger, water resistant, and durable. They consist of an open-weave, nonabsorbent fabric impregnated with cool water-activated hardeners that bond and reach full rigid strength in minutes theyare used for non displaced fractures with minimal swelling and for long term wear
plaster cast
The traditional cast is made of plaster. Rolls of plaster bandage are wet in cool water and applied smoothly to the body. A crystallizing reaction occurs, and heat is given off (an exothermic reaction). The heat given off during this reaction can be uncomfortable, and the nurse should inform the patient about the sensation of increasing warmth so that the patient does not become alarmed. Additionally, the nurse should explain that the cast needs to be exposed to allow maximum dissipation of the heat and that most casts cool after about 15 minutes.
arm cast
The patient whose arm is immobilized in a cast must readjust to many routine tasks. The unaffected arm must assume all the upper extremity activities. The nurse, in consultation with an occupational therapist, suggests devices designed to aid onehanded activities. The patient may experience fatigue due to modified activities and the weight of the cast. Frequent rest periods are necessary.
nursing care
To control swelling, the nurse elevates the immobilized arm. When the patient is lying down, the arm is elevated so that each joint is positioned higher than the preceding proximal joint (eg, elbow higher than the shoulder, hand higher than the elbow
leg cast
The application of a leg cast imposes a degree of immobility on the patient. The cast may be a short leg cast, extending to the knee, or a long leg cast, extending to the groin. The fresh cast must be handled in a manner that will not cause denting or disruption of the cast.
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