A cast is placed on an injured bone or muscle to immobilize and protect the affected area for healing and to relieve pain. Plaster of Paris and Wadding sheet are used to do the trick.
TIPS to remember for the care of patient's with casts.
1. ALWAYS keep the cast CLEAN and DRY. A cast with wet drains causes infection if not managed properly.
2. When bathing the patient, make sure to cover the cast with plastic.
3. Do not lean or push the cast because it can break and deviates the purpose of immobilization.
4. Scratching the skin under the cast, putting lotions or powder is never allowed for it can break the skin underneath. To relieve itching under the cast, try pointing a hairdryer on a cool-air setting down the cast.
5. A sling may be attached to the cast involving the upper extremities. Crutches may be needed to walk if the cast is on the leg , foot or ankle.
6 Elevating the casted area can prevent swelling. .
7 ALWAYS check for signs of COMPARTMENT SYNDROME such as sever pain, altered sensation of the affected part, absent pulses , tense and swollen shinny skin with obvious bruises and congestion of the digits with prolonged capillary refill time.
