SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHEN HANDLING TRAUMA PATIENTS
1. Move trauma patients as little as possible.
2. Never move a patient with a possible spinet injury.
3. Never try to manipulate patient beyond his or capabilities, if a fracture
dislocation is suspected.
4. Do not remove splints or bandages unless so directed by the physician.
d. Cast Care. A patient with a cast requires special care. Remember that a
fresh (wet) cast can be inadvertently compressed by rough handling, thus causing
further injury. Incorrect handling (figure 1-51) can also exert pressure on the skin,
resulting in impaired circulation. The correct way to handle a patient with a cast is with
open hands (figure 1-52). An open hand provides a flat surface and helps avoid the
Figure 1-51. Danger! Indentations in the cast can impair circulation.
Figure 1-52. Handle cast carefully. Open hand lessens the chance of making
indentations in a fresh cast.
MD0961
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