Page 191 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

3. COMPLICATIONS AND DANGERS IN PLASTERING/ fiberglass
Encasing a limb in a rigid support is hazardous even if the limb is healthy. Immobilization is an
unnatural state and so care is required if the patient is not to be put at unnecessary risk. If the limb is
injured and subject to inflammation and swelling then the risks are greater. Patients cannot be
expected to understand how hazardous splintage is and so the technician has a duty to provide care
and protection and to communicate the dangers to the patient. No knowledge can be assumed on
behalf of the patient. This section is designed to ensure that you understand the risks.
3.1 Natural Processes After Injury
Acute inflammation is a natural event after injury and results in:
♦ Increased blood supply
♦ Swelling (as a result of increased blood vessel permeability)
♦ Pain
The breaking of a bone or severe injury to soft tissues will stimulate this reaction whatever the carer
does. However, the effects of acute inflammation can be reduced if appropriate care is given.
3.2 Prevention of Complications
We cannot prevent acute inflammation. However, we can reduce its effects by elevating the
affected part of the body. For example, if the hand is held above the head for a few minutes we can
feel the fingers tingle and become weaker. This is because the blood supply is reduced as the blood
has to be pumped "uphill". If an injured part is elevated as much as possible above the heart, then
an increase in blood flow is minimized, reducing swelling.

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