What should the nurse do immediately after cast application?
Learn about the procedures, steps, risks, and requirements for splints and casts Show
It takes plenty of time and practice to apply a splint or a cast. Both of these hard wraps are used to immobilize a part of a patient’s body that’s been injured. They support and protect any injured bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. This article will focus on the art of splint and cast techniques, one of the most common yet essential tasks for medical staff. Mastering these skills may open doors in a healthcare professional’s career and contribute to higher patient satisfaction rates. (Click here to see our full list of the most common nursing duties and responsibilities). Nurses assist their patients in several ways. Depending on their work environment and scope of practice, they may need to apply or remove splints and casts. If you’re studying to become a Registered Nurse (RN), it can be beneficial to learn the proper technique for applying splints or casts in a medical environment. Definition of Splints and CastsWhat is the Difference Between a Splint and a Cast?Splints and casts are used to support the healing process for broken bones and fractures by holding your bones together while your body recovers. They are applied to keep your bones as straight as possible so that your physical motions don’t exacerbate the injury. Most importantly, they protect your body from any further damage while reducing pain and swelling to your injury. Casts are custom molds made of plaster or fiberglass, and they are designed to wrap all the way around an injury. They can only be safely removed in a doctor’s office. On the other hand, a splint is more like a “half cast.” Because the hard part of the splint doesn’t wrap all the way around the injury, it is held in place with an elastic band or similar material. Another key difference is that splints can be easily adjusted or removed. Common reasons to use a splint on a patient:
Common reasons to use a cast on a patient:
How Long Does it Take to Splint or Cast a Patient?On average, splints can usually be applied in 5-10 minutes. Casts, however, depend on the type of material used. For instance, plaster can take about a day and a half to dry before it’s hard enough to support the patient’s weight. Casts made of fiberglass may only take about 20 to 30 minutes to apply. Here are some of the approximate times for each of the materials used to make casts:
Who Applies Splints or Casts?Various healthcare professionals can apply a splint or cast including orthopedic surgeons, emergency room doctors, physician assistants , orthopedic technicians, nurse practitioners, etc. Upon a physician’s request, nurses may also be asked to apply or remove splints or casts. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNS) can perform the closed reduction of a fracture. This means that they are permitted to set a broken bone. Once the bone is put in place, it can grow back together. (Click here to learn how to become a nurse). Training Requirements for Splints and CastsTraining requirements for splints and casts depend on the healthcare profession you choose. For example, to become a doctor you need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete four years of medical school, and meet several other certification requirements. If you’d like to become a Nurse Practitioner or APRN, you must become an RN before obtaining work experience and certification in a specialty. Necessary Equipment for Splints and CastsTo apply a splint, you’ll typically need:
For casts, you may need:
Splint and Casts ProcedureDetailed Guide to Apply Splints or CastsBy reviewing the following steps, you can begin to learn more about the process of applying splints or casts. Like any other skill, splinting and casting require both time and practice to master. While in school, try not to feel disheartened if you don’t get it right the first time, and don’t hesitate to ask for your instructor’s help. Splint StepsThe following are some of the general guidelines that you should follow when applying a splint:
Cast StepsThe following are some of the general guidelines you should follow when applying a plaster cast:
Splint or Cast RecoveryMost splints are worn for about three weeks. Typically, casts are worn anywhere from four to six weeks. Unfortunately, lack of patient compliance can result in more motion and injury to the splinted area. While casts provide patients with superior immobilization, they can be less forgiving during the acute inflammatory stage. They may also carry a higher risk of complications for the patient. Some of these risks include compartment syndrome, thermal injuries, pressure sores, skin infection and dermatitis, and joint stiffness. For this reason, patient education and follow-up appointments are critical after a cast or splint application. Pro Tips for Mastering the Art of Splints and CastsHere are a few tips that may assist you in the future:
Why Should Nurses Learn How to Apply Splints and Casts?Supporting the healthcare team and providing cast or splint care is often part of a nurse’s routine. You may even be responsible for applying or removing the casts yourself. Performing this task successfully can help facilitate the healing process and contribute to your patient’s overall comfort. While you pursue your nursing education, it’s vital that you reflect on your goals and which specialization is best for you. Take the First Step Toward Your FutureUnitek College offers several nursing programs for aspiring nurses, including our BSN program and Vocational Nursing school. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and tuition assistance options. Take the first step toward a rewarding future in healthcare! What nursing management is needed right after a plaster cast has been applied?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.
What should you check after cast application?Cast Care. The type of cast applied is determined by the physician. ... . Assess neurovascular status every 4 hours for the first 48 hours after the application of a cast.. Assess skin integrity every 8 to 12 hours.. Assess for pain every 2 to 4 hours during the acute phase and with vitals thereafter.. When caring for a patient with a newly applied leg cast you should?Ice helps keep the swelling down. Apply a bag of ice (or a bag of frozen vegetables) covered with a thin towel to the cast for 20 minutes every two hours while awake. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Take your pain medicine for at least 48 hours.
What do you monitor a patient with a cast on?Ask the patient to describe any sensations in the limb with the cast. Be alert for reports of such sensations as numbness, burning, pins and needles, throbbing, and achiness. Ask him to wiggle his fingers or toes. Then move one finger or toe while he has his eyes closed and ask him what position it's in.
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