2885 YLH Caring for patients with a cast - a guide for staff
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If you are caring for someone with a cast,
there are some important checks
that you need to undertake
to ensure that there aren’t
any problems developing,
especially pressure sores.
What should you be looking out for?
A cast that is rubbing or leaving red marks.
A patient complaining of a
persistent blister-like pain,
tenderness or area of local heat
A discharge, wetness or smell
under the cast or staining
on the outside of the cast
A patient whose fingers or toes
become very cold, blue or white
and do not recover
when elevated or exercised.
You can also reduce the risk
of a pressure ulcer developing
and help to accelerate recovery
by encouraging your patients
to adopt these simple
practices where appropriate:
Rest and elevation.
For first 48 hours after the cast is fitted,
patients should rest and raise
their injured limb as much as possible.
A damaged leg needs to be
raised above the hip.
Reduce the pressure.
When a patient with a leg cast is lying
or sitting with their leg raised,
place a pillow lengthways
under the their calf, not under their heel.
And when they are lying on their side,
place a pillow between their knees
to prevent the cast rubbing on the other leg,
or between their arm
and their chest if their arm is in a cast.
Keep the plaster dry.
Don’t get the cast wet as it will weaken it
and the damp padding will cause skin problems.
Keep them moving.
Ensure that they change position
at least every two hours to avoid pressure
on any one area of their limb.
Keep them hydrated.
Make sure that they drink plenty of fluids
throughout the day.
Remember that they are at greater risk
of a pressure ulcer because they are wearing a cast
Keep them exercising.
They should exercise all joints
that are not in a cast as much as possible.
This should include fingers,
elbows, shoulders, knees and toes.
Exercising will improve their
circulation and reduce stiffness.
If they are allowed to walk in their plaster,
make sure they always wear a cast shoes.