Page 302 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY SHORT ARM COBRA CAST
081-834-0060
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient requiring a Short Arm Cobra cast sitting or supine on a
orthopaedic examination bed, family member, nursing personnel, physician, physician's verbal or written
order, patient's medical record, or Standard Form 513(consultation form), pen , work cart/station, (4) rolls
of 3 inch plaster , box of 4 x 15 inch plaster reinforcement sheets, (3) rolls of 2 or 3 inch fiberglass,
(3) rolls of 2 or 3 inch webril, roll of 2 or 3 inch stockinette, stockinette container, fiberglass casting
gloves, examination gloves, scissors, roll of 2inch adhesive tape, (2) hospital pads (chux), bed sheet,
pillow, goniometer, ruler, tape measure, bucket of tepid water w/ plastic bag, sling, cast care booklet or
equivalent, box of alcohol pads, damp wash cloth or towel, sink w/ faucet, tube of surgical lubricant ,
orthopaedic bump, thermometer and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when the cast is applied to the patient's injured arm from the tips of the
phalanges down the dorsal /volar aspect of the hand completely covering the metacarpophalangeal joints
(MCPJ'S) to 1 inch distal to the cubitum space( bend of elbow). The wrist is immobilized by the cast
between 0-15 degrees of dorsal extension( absent of ulnar, radial, supination or pronation). The
phalanges are measured between 70 - 90 degrees of flexion. The cast restricts rotation of the wrist and
phalanges, with free range of motion of the elbow, and thumb. Capillary refill test is administered to the
thumb and fingers and passed successfully.

Performance Steps
1. Receive the order from the physician(review if in writing)
2. Identify yourself to the patient.
NOTE: Tell patient your name and job title.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient.

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