Do nurses do plaster casts?
Nurses need to have a good working knowledge of the main principles of plaster casting to ensure safety and provide patients with appropriate advice and information about how to care for casts and how to recognise possible complications.
Who can remove a cast?
If everything seems OK, the doctor or a cast technician will remove the cast with a special saw. It has a dull blade that moves from side to side. It’s the vibrations that break the cast apart, so there’s nothing to hurt your skin.
Do nurses apply casts?
Typically a doctor applies a cast and a nurse prepares the patient and the equipment and assists during the procedure. With special preparation, a nurse or other practitioners may apply or change a standard cast, but an orthopedist must reduce and set the fracture.
What should the nurse do immediately after cast application?
After the cast application, provide cast care.
- Support an exposed cast, with the palms of your hands to prevent indentations.
- Ensure that the stockinet is pulled over rough edges of the cast.
- Elevate the casted extremity above the level of the heart.
- Provide covering and warmth to uncasted areas.
What nursing care are you going to give the patient with plaster cast?
Caring for the plaster
- Rest for a couple of days once the plaster is applied to allow it to set completely.
- Keep the plaster dry.
- Try to keep the plaster out of the rain.
- Don’t stick objects down the plaster, as this will damage the skin.
- Don’t cut or interfere with the cast.
- Don’t walk on the plaster.
Which action should nurse take to facilitate cast drying?
Keep the cast dry. Tie plastic trash bags around your cast to keep it dry while you bathe. You may use a blow dryer on cool or the lowest heat setting to dry your cast if it gets wet. Do not use a high heat setting, because you may burn your skin. Certain casts can get wet.
Can the ER remove a cast?
An ER can remove a cast, but this is a lot less convenient than an urgent care.
Can I take my own cast off?
Avoid trimming the cast yourself. Your provider will be able to inspect your cast to make sure it is still giving you the support you need. Don’t take your cast off. Removing your cast not only hinders healing, but it can also cause injury.
How long does it take to get cast off?
It only takes 2 weeks of inactivity (casting) to be able to visibly see the difference of muscle mass. Work hard on your home program when the doctor says it is safe. Strength will come back, but just like any exercise program, you have to work at it.
What are the possible complications of casting?
Compartment syndrome, thermal injuries, pressure sores, skin infection and dermatitis, and joint stiffness are possible complications of splinting and casting. Patient education regarding swelling, signs of vascular compromise, and recommendations for follow-up is crucial after cast or splint application.
Can a cast be removed early?
Always remove any covering as soon as you can to avoid causing sweating, which could also damage the cast. Even if the plaster cast makes your skin feel very itchy, do not poke anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection.