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One of the most important responsibilities of nurses is to understand the basic procedures involved in the care of their patients. Throughout their career, nurses encounter a variety of patients with different diseases and/or injuries. Nurses must rely on the knowledge they possess regarding the care and treatment of these varying diseases and injuries when managing their patients. It is important for nurses to know why casts are used, the materials they are made of, and the application and removal processes. More importantly, nurses need to be aware of proper cast care in order to accurately educate their patients and maintain their health. In this article, we will briefly describe the casting process, materials that are frequently used, methods for cast removal, and the potential life-threatening complications that can be associated with casting and immobilization.
What Is a cast?
A cast is a supportive structure that surrounds an injured body part to protect, immobilize, and promote healing (Rouzier, 2009). Casts can also be used to treat and help to correct certain congenital deformities such as clubfoot, hip displacement, and spinal deformities. If a cast is necessary, the style and materials used will be determined by an orthopaedic physician and/or a nurse practitioner. Casting materials consist of fiberglass or plaster and the choice of material is dependent on several factors.
Materials
When selecting the material to be used for the casting process, there are various factors that can influence the decision. For instance, fiberglass is the most common material that is used, but may not be readily available in all settings and in all locations around the world. Plaster, however, is the cheapest material to use and is more available. We have included the three major types of materials that are used for casting with important points to keep in mind, while selecting the best option for each patient (Smeltzer, Care, Hinkle, & Cheever, 2008).
PLASTER
Plaster is the traditional material used for casts. It is considered the most versatile of the splinting materials, is completely moldable, and can withstand considerable forces. Plaster is also a permeable material that allows the skin to "breathe." The downside of plaster lies in its setting time. Plaster requires at least 24 hours to reach "hard" set that can...