CAST

Casts
• Rigid device that immobilizes the affected body part
while allowing other body parts to move
• Cast materials: plaster, fiberglass, polyester-cotton
• Types of casts for various parts of the body: arm, leg,
brace, body
(Continued)
 Casts (Continued)

• Cast care and client education

• Cast complications: infection, circulation impairment,
peripheral nerve damage, complications of immobility
 Managing Care of the Patient in a Cast

• Casting Materials
• Relieving Pain
• Improving Mobility
• Promoting Healing
• Neurovascular Function
• Potential Complications
 Cast, Splint, Braces, and Traction
Management Considerations

• Arm Casts
• Leg Casts
• Body or Spica Casts
• Splints and Braces
• External Fixator
• Traction
POLYESTER/FIBERGLASS
UPPER EXTREMITY CAST
LOWER EXTREMITY CAST
 Musculoskeletal
Nursing Care - Casts
• Neurovascular
• Check • Traction Nursing Care
color/capillary
refill • Pin Site care
• Temperature • Skin and neurovascular
check
• Pulse
• Movement
• Sensation
 Cast Care (continued)

• Elevate Extremity
• Exercises – to unaffected side; isometric exercises to affected extremity
• Keep heel off mattress
• Handle with palms of hands if cast wet
• Turn every two hours till dry
• Notify MD at once of wound drainage
• Do not place items under cast.