Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Upper Extremity Casting Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Upper Extremity Casting flashcards as text
When removing a cast, the cast saw should be held at what angle relative to the cast surface to minimize injury risk?
Answer: Perpendicular (90 degrees) to the cast surface
Holding the saw blade perpendicular to the cast surface and using a plunge-and-lift technique minimizes skin contact and reduces injury risk.
Edema management instructions for a patient with a newly applied upper extremity cast should include which primary recommendation?
Answer: Elevate the extremity above the level of the heart
Elevating the extremity above the heart reduces hydrostatic pressure and promotes venous and lymphatic drainage, minimizing post-cast swelling.
A cylindrical arm cast that is excessively tight will most likely first impair which structure?
Answer: Venous return from the distal extremity
Veins are thin-walled and low-pressure, so they are compressed before arteries when external pressure is applied, leading to venous congestion as the first sign.
Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to fiberglass casting (as opposed to plaster)?
Answer: Known allergy to isocyanate or fiberglass resin
A known allergy to the polyurethane resin or fiberglass components is an absolute contraindication; plaster is used as an alternative.
The purpose of applying a 'petaling' technique to a cast edge is to:
Answer: Prevent skin irritation and breakdown at the cast margin
Petaling involves folding small strips of moleskin or tape over the rough cast edge to prevent abrasion and skin breakdown at the proximal and distal margins.
Intrinsic-plus position for hand immobilization places the metacarpophalangeal joints in flexion and the interphalangeal joints in:
Answer: Full extension
The intrinsic-plus (safe) position places MCP joints in 70–90 degrees of flexion and IP joints in full extension to prevent collateral ligament contracture.
A patient returns 48 hours after short arm cast application with numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Which nerve is most likely compressed?
Answer: Median nerve
Numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers corresponds to the sensory distribution of the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel.