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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in preparing the plaster?

Measure the length of the plaster

Make a small tear on one side of the plaster (correct)

Ensure the plaster is 10 to 12 sheets thick

Roll out the cast padding

What thickness should the plaster slab be when rolled out?

10 to 12 sheets thick (correct)

5 to 7 sheets thick

7 to 9 sheets thick

12 to 15 sheets thick

What should be done after marking the length on the plaster?

Cut the plaster into strips

Wait for the plaster to harden

Roll out the plaster (correct)

Begin applying the cast padding

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a step in the detailed technique?

Applying adhesive to the plaster Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of rolling out the plaster?

To achieve the desired thickness Signup and view all the answers

Where should the cast or splint be applied for an ankle fracture involving the distal fibula and tibia?

Just distal to the knee joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of limiting ankle motion when applying a cast or splint?

To promote healing of the fracture Signup and view all the answers

What specific bones are involved in an ankle fracture that necessitates casting just distal to the knee?

Both the fibula and tibia Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the body should the cast or splint end when treating an ankle injury?

Just proximal to the toes Signup and view all the answers

In what location should a cast or splint be positioned regarding the joint for optimal immobilization of an ankle fracture?

Just proximal to the toes Signup and view all the answers

Where should the cast or splint for an ankle fracture involving the distal fibula and tibia begin?

Just distal to the knee joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for ending the cast or splint just proximal to the toes?

To limit ankle motion Signup and view all the answers

Which bones are involved in an ankle fracture that leads to the application of a cast or splint just distal to the knee?

Fibula and tibia Signup and view all the answers

When applying a cast for an ankle fracture, which of the following is true about its length?

It should end just proximal to the toes Signup and view all the answers

In which case would a cast or splint be designed to begin just distal to the knee?

For an ankle fracture involving the distal fibula and tibia Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum degree of flexion required for the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints?

70 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when applying cast padding in the antecubital fossa?

Allowing edges to lay within the fossa borders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a necessary condition for the patient's hand during a casting procedure?

The patient must flex the MCP joints Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical location is crucial to monitor when applying cast padding?

The antecubital fossa Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the patient to achieve 70 degrees of MCP flexion?

To allow full range of motion for daily activities Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the splint material is too long?

Fold it back or cut it to size Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step in applying a prepadded splint?

Overwrap the splint with an elastic or self-adherent bandage Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured when applying the prepadded splint?

The splint should be customized for each patient Signup and view all the answers

Why would you use an elastic or self-adherent bandage during splint application?

To keep the splint securely in place Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the splint material?

It can be adapted in length by cutting or folding Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct direction to start when applying plaster?

Start at the wrist and work distally. Signup and view all the answers

How should the plaster roll be manipulated through the thumb interspace?

By applying a twisting motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific action required with the plaster roll in the thumb interspace?

Twist the plaster roll 360 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during the plaster application process?

Using excess force when twisting the roll. Signup and view all the answers

During plaster application, what does 'working distally' imply?

Moving away from the torso towards the fingers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the width of the elastic or self-adherent bandage used in the procedure?

4 inches Signup and view all the answers

What type of water is recommended for use in the procedure?

Tepid water Signup and view all the answers

What additional supply is mentioned that may be used optionally with the procedure?

Tape Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is mentioned as a necessary positioning technique for the patient?

Patient positioning details are not provided Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the 2-inch tape mentioned in the supplies?

To secure the bandage Signup and view all the answers

What shape should the cuff form at the ulnar aspect of the hand?

A 'V' shape Signup and view all the answers

Where should the 'V' shape be formed in relation to the thumb?

At the base of the thumb Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of forming a 'V' at the ulnar aspect of the hand?

To allow for the cascade of digits Signup and view all the answers

In terms of hand structure, what does the metacarpal heads refer to?

The knuckles where fingers meet the palm Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature does the 'V' formation facilitate?

Movement of the digits Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to prepare for applying a cast after positioning the stockinette?

Wrap the extremity in cast padding. Signup and view all the answers

Which step is performed immediately before applying the plaster roll?

Fold the stockinette over both proximally and distally. Signup and view all the answers

During the casting process, what is done after creating three cast padding cuffs?

Prepare the plaster roll in the usual fashion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of applying cast padding before plaster?

To prevent skin irritation from the plaster. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of steps when preparing for a cast application?

Position stockinette, wrap extremity, create cuffs. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ankle Fracture Casting Technique

Cast/splint should end just proximal to the toes to restrict ankle movement.
Cast/splint should begin just distal to the knee joint for ankle fractures involving the fibula and tibia.
Mark the plaster length by making a small tear on one side.

Plaster Slab Preparation

Use a plaster slab that is 10 to 12 sheets thick.
Use the measured length for the plaster slab.

Cast Padding

Wrap cast padding over the plaster to prevent it from sticking to the elastic or self-adherent bandage.

Securing the Splint

Secure the splint definitively with an elastic or self-adherent bandage.
Provisionally secure the plaster at the wrist with cast padding.
Cover the plaster with strips of cast padding to protect the elastic bandage.

Layers of Padding

Cast padding: 3 inches
Plaster: 3 inches
Elastic or self-adherent bandage: 3 inches

Ankle Fracture

Cast/splint should end just proximal to the toes to limit ankle motion
Cast/splint should begin just distal to the knee joint
Bone above the ankle fracture is the fibula and tibia

Short Leg Cast

Metatarsal heads should form a "V" at the lateral aspect of the foot to allow for the cascade of the digits
Make sure the patellar tendon is not restricted to allow for unimpeded knee motion

General Cast Application

Secure the splint with an ACE wrap starting at either end and advancing to the other end
Secure the end of the ACE wrap with silk tape or Velcro
Do not allow edges of cast padding to lay immediately within the antecubital fossa borders
Patient must be able to flex their metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to at least 70 degrees

Short Leg Cast Application Equipment

4-inch stockinette
4- or 6-inch cast padding
4- to 6-inch plaster or fiberglass

Prepadded Splint

Use a 4 inch wide elastic or self-adherent bandage
Use a bucket of tepid water
Use 2 inch tape (optional)
If splint material is too long, fold or cut it to size
Overwrap with elastic or self-adherent bandage

Posterior Elbow Splint

Technique
- Patient Positioning
  - Position the stockinette
  - Wrap the extremity in cast padding
  - Create three cast padding cuffs
  - Fold the stockinette over both proximally and distally
  - Prepare the plaster roll in the usual fashion
  - Apply the plaster roll
- Palmar Flexion Crease/Metacarpal Heads: Form a “V” at the ulnar aspect of the hand to allow for the cascade of the digits.
- Thumb: Form a “V” at the base of the thumb.
- Application
  - Start at the wrist and work distally
  - Use a twisting motion to get through the thumb interspace
    - Twist the plaster roll 360 degrees in the interspace

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Description

Test your knowledge on the techniques for casting and splinting ankle fractures. This quiz covers the essential steps, materials, and safety precautions needed to secure a proper cast. Perfect for students and professionals in the medical field.