OCC OCC Cast Removal & Bivalving 2

Question 1

Before cast removal, what should the technician tell the patient to reduce anxiety about the saw?

Accepted Answer

The saw vibrates but will not cut skin if used correctly

Answer

Explaining how the oscillating saw works reassures patients and encourages cooperation, which improves safety during removal.

Question 2

During cast removal, the skin under a long-standing plaster cast is commonly found to be:

Accepted Answer

Dry, flaky, and possibly malodorous

Answer

Weeks of immobilization causes skin dryness, desquamation (scaling), and sometimes odor due to trapped dead skin cells and moisture.

Question 3

Which protective technique is used over bony prominences when running the cast saw?

Accepted Answer

Slide a cast spreader or tongue depressor between the blade and the skin

Answer

Inserting a flat instrument between the blade and skin over bony areas protects against saw burns and lacerations.

Question 4

After both medial and lateral cuts are made during bivalving, which instrument is used to separate the cast halves?

Accepted Answer

Cast spreader

Answer

A cast spreader (or cast bender) is inserted into the saw cuts to gently pry the two halves apart without stressing the extremity.

Question 5

Heat generated by the oscillating saw can cause skin burns. This risk is BEST reduced by:

Accepted Answer

Using a plunging motion and limiting contact time at each point

Answer

Repeated brief contacts with the oscillating saw prevent heat accumulation; prolonged contact causes thermal burns even without laceration.

(OCC) Orthopedic Casting Certification Practice Test