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 arm. Which of the following instructions should the MA include?
- A“You can use a hairdryer on a warm setting to dry the cast if it gets wet.”
- B“Elevate your arm above your heart for the first 24-48 hours.”
- C“You should insert an object into the cast to scratch any itching.”
- D“It is normal for your fingers to appear slightly blue or pale.”
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. “Elevate your arm above your heart for the first 24-48 hours.”
Elevating the casted extremity above the heart, especially for the first 24-48 hours, helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation, preventing complications like compartment syndrome.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Using a hairdryer can cause skin burns and uneven drying, which can damage the cast or cause skin irritation.
- C. Inserting objects into the cast can cause skin breakdown, infection, or damage to the cast padding.
- D. Blue or pale fingers (cyanosis or pallor) are signs of impaired circulation and require immediate medical attention.
Cast Care - Swelling Management
After cast application, elevating the affected extremity above heart level is critical for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and prevent complications like impaired circulation.
- Elevate to reduce swelling.
- First 24-48 hours are crucial.
- Prevents circulation issues.
Memory trick: Elevate and Observe, Don't Insert or Wet.