unit 2 casts & immobilizations

Question 1

why do we take an image after the cast has been applied

Answer 1

to determine correct bone position

Question 2

what are the 2 cast materials used? what does the material used depend on?

Answer 2

fiberglass and plaster

depends on type of injury, length of time needed, and physicians preference

Question 3

what do casts do

Answer 3

immobilize and support the bone so that it can heal

Question 4

why should you never grab a cast from the top

Answer 4

it could compress the cast and lead to swelling and pressure that can compromise circulation and lead to a pressure ulcer

Question 5

fiberglass

Answer 5

-most often used
-used for stable fractures (fractures alrdy healing)
-lightweight and breathable and sturdy
-comes in diff colours
-drys in 7-15 mins and can bear weight after 20 mins
-good for long term bc less care needed from patient

Question 6

plaster

Answer 6

-holds bone more precisely
-used when bone needs to be repositioned or if its an unstable or displaced fracture
-frequently changed
-heavy and distorts easily
-drys in 24-48 hrs
-must be kept dry or it can change shape

Question 7

if patient is presenting with the following it must be reported to a healthcare profressional

Answer 7

-sudden pain or numbness w movement
-coldness, warmth, inability to move fingers or toes
-swelling
-pale skin and low pulse

Question 8

what is an immoblizier

Answer 8

ant physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to the persons body that the person cant remove and restricts freedom of movement

Question 9

what are immolbizers used for? when do we use them?

Answer 9

used to prevent movement or prevent pat from pulling out medical devices.

used only when physician orders for it

Question 10

why cant you leave a restraint person alone

Answer 10

they cant be left alone cause they cant change positions and could aspirate

Question 11

what are the rules for application of immobilizers

Answer 11

-must explain to pat why were using it
-pat must be allowed as much safe mobility as possible
-immobilizer must have padding to prevent injury
-normal anatomic position maintained
-use of half knots that are easy and quick to remove
-no circulation or respiration impairment

Question 12

how many rails on the bed must be down to be considered non restraining

Answer 12

1/4 rails must be down

Question 13

when would you use stretcher rails? are they considered immobilizers?

Answer 13

transport, surgery, sleep

yes unless 1/4 rails is down

Question 14

when should immbolizers be used? why do we use them?

Answer 14

when no other means are safe for the exam

keeps pat from moving but does not restrict movement

Question 15

do you need a physicians order to use immobilizers in xray ? what can be used to prevent falls?

Answer 15

no

straps or compression bands prevent falls from the xray table

Question 16

how would you use immobilizers in an AP pelvis

Answer 16

sandbags are put around the feet to help patient hold their legs and feet in this position

Question 17

why are immobilizers needed in pediatrics

Answer 17

reduces motion, provides safety to patient, allows for proper positioning, and decreases retakes

Question 18

what are examples of immobilizers used in pediactrics

Answer 18

sandbags
lead protective devices
sheets of plastic w tape
stockinet
mummy/bunny wrap
papoose board
octostop
pigg-o-stat
skull clamps

Question 19

what do we xray when a baby is in the bunny wrap? what about the pigg-o-stat

Answer 19

skull
chest
supine abdomen

upright chest