Chapter 7 Physical Agents to Promote Tissue Healing

What are three reasons for applying a cast?

1. Healing after surgical correction. 2. Support and stabilize weak or dislocated joints. 3. Aid in non-surgical correction of deformities.

List two reasons for applying cold locally.

1. Minor burn 2. Control bleeding.

List three reasons for applying heat locally.

1. Muscle spasms 2. Soften exudates 3. Lower back pain.

List two examples of conditions for which a splint may be applied.

1. To protect areas that are sprained. 2. Support displaced body part.

Short leg cast

A cast that begins just below the knee and extends to the toes.

Long arm crest

A cast that extends from the axilla to the fingers.

Exudate

A discharge produced by the body's tissue.

Orthopedist

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Brace

An orthopedic device used to support and hold a part of the body in the correct position to allow functioning and healing.

Splint

An orthopedic device used to support and immobilize a part of the body.

Strain

An over stretching of a muscle caused by trauma.

What happens to the diameter of blood vessels if heat is applied for a prolonged period (more than 1 hour)?

Blood vessels constrict, blood supply decrease when heat is applied for more than one hour.

How does the local application of heat to an affected area for a short period of time influence the following? (The diameter of the blood vessels in the affected are.)

Blood vessels dilate.

What causes a pressure area?

Can occur over bony prominences, the cast presses or rules against the skin and prevents adequate circulation.

State the following example of dry heat, moist heat, dry cold, or moist cold. Ice bag.

Dry cold.

State the following example of dry heat, moist heat, dry cold, or moist cold. Chemical hot pack.

Dry heat.

State the following example of dry heat, moist heat, dry cold, or moist cold. Heating pad.

Dry heat.

A patient using crutches should be instructed to support his or her weight against the axilla.

False.

A wet cast can cause a pressure area to occur.

False.

The local application of cold may be used to relieve muscle spasms.

False.

It usually takes 10 to 12 weeks for a fracture to heal.

False. Complete healing of fracture 4 to 6 weeks.

A coat hanger can be used to scratch under a cast if itching occurs.

False. It can cause an infection to the skin.

An ice bag should be filled with large pieces of ice.

False. It must be filled with small pieces of ice and placed in a protective covering.

Chemical cold packs should be stored in the refrigerator.

False. Should be stored in room temperature.

Ambulation refers to the inability to walk.

False. Walking or moving from one place to another.

How does the local application of heat to an affected area for a short period of time influence the following? (The blood supply to the affected area.)

Increase blood supply.

How does the local application of heat to an affected area for a short period of time influence the following? (Tissue metabolism in the affected area.)

Increase tissue metabolism.

What symptoms may indicate that a cast is too tight and an infection is developing?

Increased pain or swelling that does not go away.

How does the local application of cold for short period to an affected area influence the following? (The blood supply to the affected area.)

It decreases blood supply.

How is a cast removed?

It is cut into two halves.

How does the local application of cold for short period to an affected area influence the following? (The diameter of the blood vessels in the affected area.)

It makes them constrict.

Why should removing precautions be taken when applying a synthetic casting particles using an alcohol swab?

May cause irritation and infection if left.

State the following example of dry heat, moist heat, dry cold, or moist cold. Cold compress.

Moist cold.

State the following example of dry heat, moist heat, dry cold, or moist cold. Hot compress.

Moist heat.

What are the symptoms of a pressure area?

Painful running, burning, stinging sensation.

What are the complications of a pressure ulcer?

Skin erosion can continue to subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone.

What will the affected extremity look like after a cast has been removed?

Skin will be yellow and scaly, extremity will be thinner.

Soak

The direct immersion of a body part in water or a medicated solution.

Suppuration

The process of pus formation.

List three factors that must be taken into consideration when applying heat or cold.

The purpose of the application, the location, and the condition of the affected area.

Edema

The retention of fluid in the tissues, resulting in swelling.

Maceration

The softening and breaking down of the skin as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture.

How does the local application of cold for short period to an affected area influence the following? (Tissue metabolism in the affected area.)

Tissue metabolism decreases, less oxygen is used, fewer wastes accumulate.

Why should checking the circulation, sensation, and movement of the extremity be taken when applying a synthetic cast?

To make sure the cast is not too tight.

Why is it important to dry a synthetic cast as soon as possible after it gets wet?

To prevent maceration.

What is the purpose of applying cast padding during a cast application?

To prevent pressure areas and to shield the patients skin when the cast is removed.

What is the purpose of covering the body part with a stockinette before applying a cast?

To provide patient comfort and to cover the rough eyelids at the end of the cast.

Sprain

Trauma to a joint that causes injury to the ligaments.

A cane should be held on the strong side of the body.

True.

A hot compress is an example of moist heat.

True.

An orthodontist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

True.

Erythema is redness of the skin caused by dilation of superficial blood vessels.

True.

If axillary crutches have been fitted properly, the elbow will be flexed at an angle of 30 degrees.

True.

Incorrectly fitted crutches may cause crutch palsy.

True.

Numbness of the fingers or toes may indicate that a cast is too tight.

True.

The local application of heat results in constriction or blood vessels in the area to which it is applied.

True.

The most frequent cause of low back pain is poor posture.

True.

The most frequent reason for applying a cast is to aid in the non surgical correction of a deformity.

True.

The purpose of cast padding is to prevent pressure areas.

True.

The recommended time for the application of heat is 15 to 30 minutes.

True.

Compress

a soft, moist, absorbent cloth that is folded in several layers and applied to a part of the body in the local application of heat or cold.

Erythema

reddening of the skin caused by dilation of superficial blood vessels in the skin.

Ambulation

walking or moving from one place to another.