NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is providing discharge instructions to a patient who has just had a cast applied to their lower arm. Which of the following instructions is most important to prevent complications?
- AKeep the cast dry at all times.
- BElevate the affected limb only for the first hour after application.
- CUse a coat hanger to scratch inside the cast.
- DApply lotion under the cast to relieve itching.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Keep the cast dry at all times.
Keeping the cast dry is paramount. A wet cast can soften, lose its supportive integrity, and irritate the skin, leading to skin breakdown or infection. Other options are incorrect and could cause significant complications.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Elevating the affected limb is important for several days, not just the first hour, to reduce swelling and improve circulation, preventing compartment syndrome.
- C. Inserting objects like coat hangers into the cast can damage the skin, cause infection, or break the cast padding, leading to pressure sores.
- D. Applying lotion under the cast can lead to skin maceration and infection, as it provides a moist environment for bacterial growth.
Cast Care - Swelling Management
Proper cast care is essential for healing and preventing complications. Key instructions include keeping the cast dry, elevating the limb to reduce swelling, monitoring for signs of neurovascular compromise, and avoiding inserting objects into the cast.
- Keep cast dry to maintain integrity.
- Elevate limb to reduce swelling.
- Monitor for pain, numbness, tingling, color changes.
Memory trick: Dry as a bone, don't scratch alone.