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WorksheetsBasic Concepts of Splinting and Casting
Total questions: 50
Worksheet time: 27mins
Plaster of Paris sets faster when mixed with cold water. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Splints are circumferential immobilizers that fully enclose the limb. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Fiberglass casts generate less heat during setting than plaster of Paris. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Ancient Egyptians used wooden splints wrapped in linen for fracture care. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
A cast applied too loosely can cause friction blisters. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Stockinette should be pulled tight to prevent wrinkles. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
The safe position of the wrist for immobilization is 90 degrees flexion. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Compartment syndrome is the most serious complication of casting. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Plaster of Paris becomes porous when dry, allowing skin moisture to escape. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
Fiberglass is preferred in acute injuries with swelling. Choose the correct answer.
True
False
The main difference between splints and casts is that:
Splints are permanent
Casts are non-circumferential
Splints are non-circumferential
Casts allow swelling
Plaster of Paris becomes porous when dry, allowing skin moisture to escape.
True
False
Immobilizing unnecessary joints may cause stiffness and contractures.
True
False
Plaster of Paris is made by heating gypsum at about:
100°C
150°C
200°C
300°C
Fiberglass casts are approximately how many times stronger than plaster?
2×
3×
4×
5×
The key variable influencing setting time of casting material is:
Bandage width
Water temperature
Limb size
Ambient humidity
Which statement about splints is true?
Used for definitive care of unstable fractures
Allow for swelling in acute injuries
More rigid than casts
Applied circumferentially
A good cast should be:
Heavy and multi-layered
Smooth, functional, and non-constrictive
Thickly padded regardless of injury
Left un-molded to avoid pressure
The modern term Plaster of Paris originates from:
King Henry III's visit to Paris
The French word for gypsum
The Latin term for cast
Egyptian wall paintings
Which of the following reduces risk of thermal injury during casting?
Hot water activation
Thin layers and cool water
Excessive compression
Fast-setting plaster
The correct padding overlap when wrapping is:
25%
33%
50%
75%
For upper extremity splints, how many plaster layers are typically used?
2–4
4–6
6–10
12–15
The thumb should be immobilized:
In full extension
Midway between radial and palmar abduction
Flexed fully
In adduction
The safe position of immobilization for hand MCP joints is:
0–10° flexion
30–45° flexion
70–90° flexion
Full extension
Which is not an advantage of splinting?
Allows swelling
Quicker to apply
Permanent immobilization
Easy inspection of injury
Which complication is linked with the 'onion-skinning' appearance on X-ray after casting?
Infection
Poor lamination
Heat burn
Tight wrap
Which padding material is best to place over bony prominences during casting?
Cotton
Felt
Foam
Gauze
'Heat is inversely proportional to setting time' means which of the following?
Faster setting leads to less heat
Slower setting leads to more heat
Faster setting leads to more heat
Setting time doesn’t affect heat
Excess reuse of water during casting most likely results in which outcome?
Slower setting
Weaker cast
Faster setting
Stronger cast
Which is not a complication of casting?
Skin breakdown
Ischemia
Improved joint mobility
Neurologic injury
Who invented the plaster bandage technique published in 1852?
Langenbeck
Mathijsen
Sarmiento
Esmarch
What is the primary chemical compound of Plaster of Paris?
Calcium carbonate
Calcium sulfate hemihydrate
Calcium phosphate
Magnesium sulfate
What should always be rechecked after immobilization in a cast or splint?
Skin temperature
Neurovascular status
Cast index
Padding overlap
Which material is most commonly used for modern synthetic casts?
Starch
Wood
Wax
Fiberglass
Applying excessive padding under a cast can lead to which complication?
Reduced swelling
Faster healing
Increased risk of cast loosening
Improved immobilization
Which of the following is a sign of compromised circulation after cast application?
Warm fingers
Pain and numbness
Ability to move toes
Normal capillary refill
Which of the following is a common indication for using a splint instead of a cast?
Open wound with no swelling
Stable, healed fracture
Acute injury with significant swelling
Chronic non-union fracture
What is the primary purpose of padding under a cast?
To reduce cast weight
To prevent skin injury
To increase rigidity
To speed up setting time
Which complication can result from a cast that is applied too tightly?
Cast loosening
Compartment syndrome
Improved immobilization
Delayed union
Which of the following is a sign of poor circulation after cast application?
Pale and cold extremity
Normal sensation
Warm fingers
Ability to move toes
What is the recommended action if a patient reports severe pain and numbness under a cast?
Loosen or bivalve the cast immediately
Elevate the limb and apply ice
Advise more rest
Reassure and observe
Which material is most likely to be used for waterproof casting?
Plaster of Paris
Cotton bandage
Starch-based bandage
Fiberglass with synthetic liner
Which of the following is a sign of poor neurovascular status after cast application?
Warm fingers and normal sensation
Pale skin and absent pulse
Ability to move all fingers
No swelling or pain
What is the main advantage of using a splint instead of a circumferential cast in acute injuries?
Is heavier and more rigid
Provides permanent immobilization
Allows for swelling
Prevents all movement
Which of the following materials is least likely to cause skin irritation under a cast?
Direct application of plaster
Cotton padding
Felt padding
Wool padding
Name the primary chemical compound of Plaster of Paris.
(a)
What temperature range is ideal for dipping plaster bandages?
(a)
How long (approx.) does a leg plaster need to bear weight safely?
(a)
What should always be rechecked after immobilization?
(a)
What term describes the safe functional position of joints during immobilization?
(a)
