Page 174 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
CAUTION: A small folded towel is placed over the diaphragm and top of the stomach for a later
cutaway of the area which will provide for breathing and digestion.
15. Apply cast padding( webril) to patient's upper torso and shoulder.
a. Hold webril vertically with one hand.
b. With 2nd hand unroll the webril 1/2 - 1inch and grasp edge with index and middle finger.
c. Place the edge of the webril 1inch proximal to the stockinette edge at the jugular notch and
begin wrapping distal around the torso.
CAUTION: Keep the cast padding on the extremity throughout the application to avoid causing
circulation compromise of the patient's chest.
d. Continue down the torso ending 1inch distal to the stockinette edge.
e. With each turn overlap the webril by 1/2-1/4 the previous wrap. The top of the webril should
bisect the middle of the previous layer covering up the shallow line and present evenly
applied padding.
f. Apply extra padding as needed.

16. Prepare casting materials.
a. If using fiberglass casting materials go to steps 17, 18 and 19.
b. If using plaster casting materials go to step 19.
17. Place fiberglass casting gloves on hands.
Caution: The use of fiberglass casting gloves are mandatory to prevent the technician from receiving
chemical burns when applying a fiberglass cast.

NOTE: Tube of surgical lubricant can be used to keep the gloves from adhering to fiberglass casting
material.

18. Open fiberglass casting package and go to step 19.
NOTE: Open one fiberglass package at a time, because fiberglass will start to cure and harden with
air contact

19. Apply 1st and 2nd plaster/fiberglass roll.
NOTE: Examination gloves are recommended to protect the technician's hands as the resin in the
plaster rolls may cause the skin on the hands to dry up.
a. Hold plaster or fiberglass roll with one hand.
b. With opposite hand unroll the plaster or fiberglass 1/2-1 inch and grasp edge with thumb,
index and middle fingers or place the thumb under the forward edge of the roll.
c. Place the plaster or fiberglass roll in bucket of tepid water and remove when bubbles cease
to rise.
CAUTION: Removing the casting material when bubbles are present ensures dry spots will be visible
during application. Dry spots affects the integrity of the cast.
d. Squeeze the roll together(do not wring the roll).
NOTE: To evenly distribute the water and prevent telescoping of the roll during application gently
squeeze the roll inward.
e. Place the edge of the casting material at the iliac crest and begin wrapping around the torso.
f. Continue up the torso , figure of eight around the injured shoulder ending 1inch distal to the
webril edge.
g. Place the edge of the casting material at the top of the shoulder and continue wrapping to 1
inch proximal to the ulnar styloid.
h. With each turn overlap the cast material by 1/2-1/4 the previous wrap. The top of the cast
material should bisect the middle of the previous layer and present evenly applied cast
material.
i. Apply second roll (repeat steps 19 a-g).

20. Laminate the casting material.
NOTE: Laminating the cast material provides strength to the cast material.
a. Place palm of each hand on the cast.

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