Page 155 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY A MINERVA JACKET
081-834-0023
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient requiring a Minerva Jacket sitting on an orthopaedic
examination bed, fracture table or standing grasping an overhead horizontal support bar stand, nursing
personnel, family member, physician, physician's verbal or written order, patient's medical record, or
Standard Form 513(consultation form), pen, grease pencil, work cart/station, (5) rolls of 6 inch plaster ,
(5) rolls of 4 inch plaster, box of 5 x 30 inch plaster reinforcement sheets, (7) rolls of 4 or 5 inch
fiberglass, (5) rolls of 4 inch webril, (4) rolls of 3 inch webril, disposable hospital gown, disposable paper
shorts, roll of 6, 10 or 12 inch stockinette, stockinette container, fiberglass casting gloves, examination
gloves, scissors, cast saw, cast spreader, (2) safety goggles, (2) packages of disposable foam ear plugs,
roll of 2 inch adhesive tape, (5-10) hospital pads(chux),( 2-4) bed sheets, goniometer, ruler, tape
measure, bucket of tepid water w/ plastic bag, (3) felt pads or equivalent, thermometer, cast care
booklet or equivalent, box of alcohol pads, (2) damp wash cloths,(2) hand towels, sink w/ faucet, tube of
surgical lubricant and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when the upper torso and head are immobilized from the symphysis pubis to the
chin anteriorly, across the forehead with ears, eyes and mouth left free, and from the coccyx to the upper
border of the occipital lobe posteriorly. The head has restricted movement with the arms and hands
having full range of motion. The patient can sit comfortably, breath freely and digestion is unrestricted.
The capillary refill test is administrated to the fingers and passed successfully.

Performance Steps

1. Receive the order from the physician (review if in writing).
2. Identify yourself to patient.
NOTE: Tell the patient your name and job title.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
NOTE: The Minerva Jacket extends from the symphysis pubis to the chin anteriorly and from the coccyx
to the upper border of the occipital region posteriorly. A band of casting material is carried from the
occipital region across the forehead anteriorly, with the ears and mouth left free.

CAUTION: During cast application a chemical response(exothermic reaction) will occur between the
water(H2O) and the plaster ( gypsum). This is a safe and common occurrence. The cast will initially
become warm and cool down within 2-5 minutes. However, if it doesn't cool down or there is an increase
of heat intensity during the cast application, the cast may need to be removed.

4. Inspect patient's injured torso.
a. Place examination gloves on hands.
CAUTION: Always practice Body Substance Isolation ( BSI ) prior to applying traction, splints or casts to
patients.
b. Place patient behind privacy curtain.
c. Give patient disposable paper shorts and gown.
CAUTION: The same gender chaperone should always be present to assist female patients in removal
of clothing.
d. Instruct patient to remove all clothing and put on shorts and gown.
e. Check patient's upper torso for any skin conditions ( e. g. cuts, abrasions, lacerations and skin
rashes).
NOTE: Inform physician if conditions are present and follow physician's order.
f. Examine both legs and arms for jewelry and remove if found.
NOTE: All jewelry must be removed. Give jewelry and clothing to family member or secure with patient's
belongings in NCOIC office.
5. Check patient's capillary refill.
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