Which cast care instructions should the nurse provide to a client who just had a plaster cast?
Cast care: Do's and don'ts Show
A cast can't do its job without proper care. Find out the basics of cast care, from keeping a cast clean to knowing when to call the doctor. By Mayo Clinic StaffIf your child breaks a bone, a cast can help support and protect the injury as it heals. But a cast can't do its job without proper care. Find out more about the basics of cast care. What are the different types of casts?Casts are custom-made to fit and support injured limbs. There are two main types of casts:
What can be done to reduce swelling?Swelling can cause your child's cast to feel tight and uncomfortable. To reduce swelling:
What can I do if my child wants to scratch under the cast?A cast can cause your child's underlying skin to feel itchy. To relieve itchy skin, turn a hair dryer on a cool setting and aim it under the cast. Don't allow your child to stick objects, such as a coat hanger, inside the cast to scratch his or her skin. This could cause an injury or infection. Is it OK to get a cast wet?That depends on the type of cast your child has. In general, casts are meant to stay dry. A wet cast can lead to skin irritation or infection. Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with conventional padding aren't waterproof. Keep your child's cast dry during baths or showers by covering it with two layers of plastic, sealed with a rubber band or duct tape. Avoid swimming while wearing a cast that isn't waterproof. A fiberglass cast that has a waterproof liner can get wet. Only certain types of breaks can be treated with a waterproof cast and liner. Ask your doctor if it's safe for your child to get his or her cast wet. If the cast does get wet, you might be able to dry out the inside padding with a hair dryer. Use a low heat setting to avoid burning or irritating the skin. How can my child keep his or her cast in good shape?Try these tips:
What else do I need to know about my child's cast?Contact your child's doctor immediately if your child:
Caring for a child's cast isn't always easy. Remind your child that taking care of the cast will help minimize discomfort during the healing process. Sign-up to get Mayo Clinic’s trusted health content sent to your email. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your child’s health just for subscribing. Email Infant's First Year (0-1) Toddler (2-4) Elementary Children (5-10) Tween & Teen (11-17) To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient,
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. How do you take care of a plaster cast?Cast care. Keep the plaster cast clean and dry at all times.. The cast usually dries completely in 48 hours. Allow it to dry naturally and keep it away from direct heat.. Avoid bumping or hitting the cast.. Do not paint the cast. This will close the pores of the plaster. Having friends decorate the cast using markers is OK.. How long do plaster casts stay on?Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks.
How Loose Should a plaster cast be?A cast can become too loose, especially after the initial bout of swelling subsides. A child should not be able to remove the cast or significantly move the affected limb under the cast. Being able to place one or two fingers under a cast is appropriate.
What interventions should be included in the plan of care for a child who has recently had a cast applied to a fractured extremity?Advertisement. Elevate the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child's cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child's heart. ... . Apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered in a thin towel around your child's cast at the level of the injury. ... . Keep moving.. |
