Question

Orthopedic. 1. An 8-year-old boy has been brought to the orthopedic clinic by his caregiver after falling from a tree. The child has a broken arm that has been x-rayed and is now being cast. A. What should this child and the caregivers be taught regarding care of the cast? B. What instructions should the nurse give the caregiver regarding things to report to the care provider?

Answer 1

1. Cast, a cast is used when the two ends of a fractured bone can be re aligned with out surgery. It is an immobilization tool. We are using cast under situations like if bone badly mis aligned, sticking through the skin ,or brocken into 3 or more pieces .

In this cast application the child and care giver must be taught regarding the care of cast.

# surely keep the cast clean and dry. ( this will cause infection also it can mobilize the bony pieces) # check for crack and breaks in the caste. ( which will allow the bone pieces to mobilize.) # if it is a water proof lining it isrecommended to get wet the lining every day to prevent bacteria build up. # do not scratch the skin under the cast by inserting objects inside the cast. # always take care of the child to further falls.

Keep the cast away from heat and Never put the cast on hard surface. Elevate the limb at heart level to help reduce pain and swelling. Support the arm with arm sling and pillows.

2.any signs of infection the care giver must report it to the medical team.

If signs of any allergy like rashes, itching etc

Any signs soft tissue swlling and pain .

Follow up care.

Breakage of cast.

Any signs of venous congestion