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    Group 2 Cast

    Uploaded by

    Mary Rose Aguilar
    A cast is a rigid external device molded to the body that immobilizes and supports injured or weakened body parts like fractures or joints. There are different types of casts including long leg casts, shoulder spica casts, hip spica casts, fiberglass casts, plaster casts, and short leg casts to immobilize different areas of the body. Nurses are responsible for properly supporting casts, controlling swelling, and applying cold therapy to fracture sites.

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    Group 2 Cast

    Uploaded by

    Mary Rose Aguilar
    29 views3 pages
    A cast is a rigid external device molded to the body that immobilizes and supports injured or weakened body parts like fractures or joints. There are different types of casts including long leg casts, shoulder spica casts, hip spica casts, fiberglass casts, plaster casts, and short leg casts to immobilize different areas of the body. Nurses are responsible for properly supporting casts, controlling swelling, and applying cold therapy to fracture sites.

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    A cast is a rigid external device molded to the body that immobilizes and supports injured or weakened body parts like fractures or joints. There are different types of casts including long leg casts, shoulder spica casts, hip spica casts, fiberglass casts, plaster casts, and short leg casts to immobilize different areas of the body. Nurses are responsible for properly supporting casts, controlling swelling, and applying cold therapy to fracture sites.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    29 views3 pages

    Group 2 Cast

    Uploaded by

    Mary Rose Aguilar
    A cast is a rigid external device molded to the body that immobilizes and supports injured or weakened body parts like fractures or joints. There are different types of casts including long leg casts, shoulder spica casts, hip spica casts, fiberglass casts, plaster casts, and short leg casts to immobilize different areas of the body. Nurses are responsible for properly supporting casts, controlling swelling, and applying cold therapy to fracture sites.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    WHAT IS A CAST?

    A cast is a rigid external immobilizing device that is molded to the contours of the body.
    The cast must fit the shape of the injured limb correctly to provide the best support possible
    (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). A cast is used to immobilize a reduced fracture,
    to correct or prevent a deformity like clubfoot and hip displacement. Apply a uniform pressure
    to underlying soft tissue or support and stabilize weakened joints. Generally, casts permit
    mobilization of the patient while restricting movement of the affected body part.

    TYPES OF CAST

    LONG LEG CAST

    Extends the junction of the upper and


    middle third of the thigh to the base of
    the toes . The knee may be slightly
    flexed.

    SHOULDER SPICA CAST

    A body jacket that encloses the


    trunk, shoulder and elbow.
    HIP SPICA CAST

    Encloses the trunk and a lower


    extremity. A double hip spica cast
    includes both legs.

    FIBERGLASS CASTS

    Fiberglass casts are composed


    of polyurethane resins that have the
    versality of plaster but are lighter in
    weight, stronger, water resistant and
    more durable than plaster. It has the
    benefit of reaching full rigidity within
    30 minutes of application.

    PLASTER CASTS
    These casts are made of plaster
    of Paris. These are also less costly and
    achieve a better mold than fiberglass
    casts. They are heavy and non-water
    resistant and can take up to 24 to 72
    hours to dry postapplication.

    SHORT LEG CAST

    Extends from below the knee to


    the base of the toes. The foot is flexed
    at a right angle in a neutral position.

    NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES TO AN IMMOBILIZED LOWER EXTREMITY

     The patient’s leg must be supported on pillows to the level of the heart to control
    swelling.
     Cold therapy should be applied over fracture site for 2 days.
     The patient’s leg should be elevated when seated.

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