Page 352 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
CAUTION: If capillary refill is delayed for more than 2 seconds inform physician and follow physician's
instruction.
20. Clean plaster off patient's skin using a damp wash cloth, towel or alcohol pad.
NOTE: Use alcohol pad or fresh water from the faucet and not from the casting bucket .
21. Administer crutch ambulation treatment ( see task number 081-836-0041).

22. Give patient verbal and written instructions on cast care.
a. Instruct patient to call the cast clinic should they have any concerns or questions regarding
their cast. Provide patient with a copy of the clinic hours and telephone number. After duty
hours instruct patient to report to the Emergency Room.
b. Present patient with cast care booklet or ( written instruction )
c. Instruct patient to keep leg elevated and flex and extend toes and ankle to increase circulation
in the foot.
d. Instruct patient not to stick any objects down the splint, do not remove the splint, and do not
alter the cast ( e. g. cutting,removing padding ).

23. Annotate the procedure applied to patient in medical record or SF 513.
NOTE: Record the procedure applied and cast care instruction provided to the patient in patient's medical
record or Standard Form 513 and sign your name.
24. Escort patient to front desk to make a follow up appointment.

Performance Measures GO NO GO
1. Received the order from the physician( reviewed if in writing) —— ——

2. Identified yourself to the patient. —— ——
3. Explained the procedure to the patient. —— ——

4. Inspected patient's legs. —— ——
5. Checked capillary refill of patient's toes. —— ——

6. Gathered equipment . —— ——
7. Assembled materials. —— ——
8. Prepared cast padding ( webril) for 1st splint. —— ——

9. Prepared cast padding ( webril) for 2nd splint. —— ——
10. Prepared plaster sheets. —— ——

11. Measured patient's injured knee w/ goniometer. —— ——
12. Applied medial splint to injured leg. —— ——
13. Applied lateral splint to injured leg. —— ——

14. Secured medial/lateral splint to injured leg. —— ——
15. Molded the splint to the knee/leg —— ——

16. Checked range of motion ( ROM ) of phalanges/ ankle. —— ——
17. Checked alignment of injured knee with goniometer. —— ——

18. Checked splint dimensions. —— ——

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