MA100 chapter 22 casting review

Casting and Assistive Devices

Assist in application of casts, prepare materials, educate on post-casting instructions

​Medical Assistants

diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions

bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, tendons, muscle

​Orthopedists

Casts

​Pressure Sores

"A pressure area occurs when the cast presses or rubs against the patient's skin and prevents adequate circulation to the area. When this occurs, the patient usually feels a painful rubbing, burning, or stinging sensation under the cast." ch 22 pg 457

Sores can turn into ulcers if not treated quickly

• Inspect skin (open wounds, infections, etc.)

• Apply stockinette (applied for comfort)

• Apply cast padding (like thick cotton)

• Apply cast material (it usually needs to be ran under water to activate. WEAR GLOVES when dealing with this material)

• Cast may be shaped to bone by provider (This can be painful)

• Allow cast to dry

Fill in the Blanks

Specialist that treats conditions of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, etc.

​PRECAUTIONS

Check circulation before patient leaves (can they move their fingers/toes)

Casts are fully dry about 30 min-1 hour after application

Be sure that no foreign material goes under cast (do not stick anything in to scratch itches)
Keep cast dry, moisture can cause infection/skin irritation (MACERATION is the breakdown of skin)

​Symptoms to Report: The patient should report the following symptoms immediately to the provider; they may indicate that the cast is too tight or an infection is developing: • Increased pain or swelling that does not go away with application of an ice bag, medication, elevation, or rest • A feeling that the cast is too tight. Slight pressure applied with the thumbnail to the fingernail or toenail should cause it to blanch white, and then when the pressure is released, the nail should immediately return to its normal color. If this does not occur, it could indicate insufficient blood flow to the extremity from a cast that is too tight. • Tingling, numbness, or loss of movement of the fingers or toes • Coldness, paleness, or blueness of the fingers or toes • Painful rubbing, burning, or stinging under the cast • Foul odor or drainage coming from the cast • Sore areas around the edge of the cast • Chills, fever, nausea, or vomiting (Pg 461 ch 22)

Fill in the Blanks

What is the term for breakdown of skin

Patients should contact the office if...

Pain increases
cast feels too tight
tingling numbness
discoloration of extremities
foul odor
fever, chills, vomiting

Poll

Have you ever had a cast for an injury?

• yes

• never