ASSISTING WITH CAST APPLICATION
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS. VERIFIED 2025/2026.
Casts made from - ANS plaster of Paris
synthetic materials
describe plaster of paris cast - ANS multiple rolls of open-weave cotton
saturated w/calcium sulfate crytals
heaver than synthetic
24-72 hours no weight bearing while drying
describe synthetic casts - ANS fiberglass or plastic
don't crumble in water
lightweight
sets in 15 minutes - weight bearing
what medications to use during cast application - ANS PO - 30-40 minutes before
IM - 20-30 minutes before
IV 2-5 minutes before
muscle relaxant 30 min before if spasms present
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, skin preparation for casting - ANS cleansing w/soap & water
changing dressing, trimming long har
patient position while casting - ANS lying, standing, or sitting depends
what sensation do you tell the patient they may feel while cast is being applied - ANS warmth
how to wet cast - plaster - ANS thumb under outer edge
submerge plaster roll under water in casting bucket or plastic basic until bubbles stop
squeeze slightly & give to person applying
how to wet cast - synthetic - ANS submerge in lukewarm water for 10-15 seconds
squeeze
how to check if cast is put on correctly - not too tight or loose - ANS 2 fingers should be able
to go between cast and limb
positioning after cast application - pillows - ANS place damp plaster cast on cloth-covered
pillows to prevent deformation or pressure point as it sets
positioning after cast application - limbs - ANS elevation at or above heart levels
if ice applied - place to side rather than top of cast to prevent indentation
things to explain to patient - elevation/drying/ice - ANS explain purposes of exposure for
faster drying
use of fans or lights to facilitate drying
use of elevation if needed
application of ice bags if ordered
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS. VERIFIED 2025/2026.
Casts made from - ANS plaster of Paris
synthetic materials
describe plaster of paris cast - ANS multiple rolls of open-weave cotton
saturated w/calcium sulfate crytals
heaver than synthetic
24-72 hours no weight bearing while drying
describe synthetic casts - ANS fiberglass or plastic
don't crumble in water
lightweight
sets in 15 minutes - weight bearing
what medications to use during cast application - ANS PO - 30-40 minutes before
IM - 20-30 minutes before
IV 2-5 minutes before
muscle relaxant 30 min before if spasms present
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, skin preparation for casting - ANS cleansing w/soap & water
changing dressing, trimming long har
patient position while casting - ANS lying, standing, or sitting depends
what sensation do you tell the patient they may feel while cast is being applied - ANS warmth
how to wet cast - plaster - ANS thumb under outer edge
submerge plaster roll under water in casting bucket or plastic basic until bubbles stop
squeeze slightly & give to person applying
how to wet cast - synthetic - ANS submerge in lukewarm water for 10-15 seconds
squeeze
how to check if cast is put on correctly - not too tight or loose - ANS 2 fingers should be able
to go between cast and limb
positioning after cast application - pillows - ANS place damp plaster cast on cloth-covered
pillows to prevent deformation or pressure point as it sets
positioning after cast application - limbs - ANS elevation at or above heart levels
if ice applied - place to side rather than top of cast to prevent indentation
things to explain to patient - elevation/drying/ice - ANS explain purposes of exposure for
faster drying
use of fans or lights to facilitate drying
use of elevation if needed
application of ice bags if ordered
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
