OCC Patient Assessment & Preparation Flashcards

Before applying a cast, what is the FIRST step in patient assessment?

Answer: Review neurovascular status distal to the injury

Neurovascular assessment (circulation, sensation, movement) must be performed and documented before any cast application.

Which finding during pre-cast assessment would require IMMEDIATE notification of the supervising clinician?

Answer: Absent distal pulse

Absent distal pulse indicates potential vascular compromise and must be reported immediately before casting proceeds.

When assessing skin integrity before casting, which condition requires special padding or delay of casting?

Answer: Open wound or skin breakdown over the cast area

Open wounds or skin breakdown over the planned cast area require special wound management or clinical consultation before casting.

How is capillary refill time assessed in a patient about to receive a cast?

Answer: Press the nail bed, release, and count seconds until color returns

Normal capillary refill is less than 2 seconds; prolonged refill suggests compromised circulation.

Which question is MOST important to ask a patient before cast application regarding allergies?

Answer: Allergy to latex or plaster

Latex allergy is critical because stockinettes and gloves may contain latex, and plaster allergy can cause skin reactions.

What position should a patient's extremity be in during pre-cast neurovascular assessment?

Answer: Functional position appropriate for the injury

The extremity should be held in the planned functional casting position so that assessment reflects the post-cast condition.