Question

Josh Polaski, age 21, has been treated in the outpatient clinic for a fractured ulna. A short-arm fiberglass cast has been applied.

1. Explain to Josh what he can and cannot do while the cast is in place.
2. Teach Josh how to care for the cast and how to assess for complications.
3. How would patient education differ if the patient were sent home with a plaster cast?

Answer 1

CAN DO:

Bathing or showering as it is water proof. But still should take care.

It is lighter and durable.

No restrictions in taking X'Rays.

Can examine without removing the cast.

CANNOT DO:

Avoid taking weight.

Avoid using soap solutions, powder, or deodrant.It may cause irritation.

Prevent dirt or water getting stucked in between skin and cast.It can also cause irritation. If irritation occurs please inform doctor.

If at all, he wants to dry the water which is stucked in between skin and cast, please dry it in cold settings.Never do it on hot settings because the presence of fibre glass cast leads to burns to the skin when in hot settings.

Don't try to adjust, repair or remove the cast of your own.Inform doctor immediately if any discomfort.

Assessing for complication:

Assess for redness,

swelling

and itching on the skin near the cast.

Assess for any wetness or dirt stucked in between skin and cast which may cause irritation.

PATIENT EDUCATION IF PATIENT IS SENT HOME WITH PLASTER CAST.:

Take rest for some days to allow the cast to completely dry.

It's not waterproof.so prevent it from getting wet.

It may fall off if gets wet.

Avoid taking wait and doing strenuous activity and also avoid driving and sweating.

Always elevate the portion to avoid swelling.

Do exercise with area which is not covered with cast such as fingers to promote circulation and avoid swelling and redness of the area..

As it's heavier than a fibreglass cast, you have to keep your hands and rest it on a pillow.

Try not to scratch by using any materials if there is itching sensation because the plaster cast is more prone to breakage. Inform doctor if itching persist.

While applying ice on the injured part, wrap it with a towel which helps the cast to remain dry.