Tips Pasang GIPS: Perawatan di Rumah

Summary

This video provides essential tips for patients on proper care after having a cast applied. It covers the importance of avoiding excessive pressure on the cast, keeping it dry, and preventing itching by not inserting objects into the cast. The video also explains how to protect the cast during bathing, how to dry it if it gets wet, and the need for regular skin checks around the cast. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and stay updated with health articles and medical discussions through Alomedica's platform.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid excessive pressure on the cast, especially while it's still wet, to prevent deformation and ensure proper healing.
• 😀 Keep the cast dry to maintain its strength and functionality. Wet casts can cause skin irritation, infection, and fail to support the fracture.
• 😀 Educate patients to cover the cast during showers with a towel and plastic bag to prevent water exposure.
• 😀 If the cast accidentally gets wet, it can be dried with a blow dryer set to the cool air setting to avoid damaging it.
• 😀 Do not insert objects into the cast to scratch it, as this can lead to skin damage, irritation, or even infection.
• 😀 Regularly check the skin around the cast for signs of redness, swelling, or changes in temperature, as these may indicate circulation problems.
• 😀 If the skin around the cast feels hot, red, or the affected fingers or toes become difficult to move, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• 😀 Cast care involves monitoring not only the cast but also the patient's overall comfort and skin condition.
• 😀 Patients should be educated on how to properly move to avoid putting pressure on the cast during daily activities.
• 😀 Alomedica is offering valuable resources for medical students, including articles, case studies, and a forum for medical discussions and learning.

Q & A

Why is it important to avoid excessive pressure on the cast?

Excessive pressure on the cast can deform it, especially if it hasn’t fully dried yet. This deformation can affect the cast’s ability to support the bone correctly, potentially hindering the healing process.

What should patients do if the cast gets wet?

If the cast gets wet, it’s important to dry it as quickly as possible using a hair dryer on a cool setting. Avoid using hot air as it can damage the cast material and the skin underneath.

How can patients protect the cast while bathing?

To protect the cast while bathing, patients should wrap it with a small towel, cover it with a plastic bag, and secure the bag with a rubber band to prevent water from getting inside.

What are the risks of scratching the skin under the cast?

Scratching the skin under the cast can cause irritation, sores, or even infections. It’s important not to insert any objects inside the cast to avoid damaging the skin or causing an infection.

How often should patients check the skin around the cast?

Patients should check the skin around the cast regularly to ensure there are no signs of irritation, redness, or abnormal temperature changes. If any of these symptoms are present, they should consult a healthcare provider immediately.

What should patients do if they notice their skin around the cast is turning red or pale?

If the skin around the cast turns red, warm to the touch, or pale and cold, it could indicate circulation issues. In such cases, patients should seek immediate medical advice.

Why is it necessary to keep the cast dry?

Keeping the cast dry is essential because moisture can soften the material, making it less effective in supporting the bone. Additionally, wet casts can lead to skin irritation or infection, especially if there are open wounds.

What is the role of Alomedica in supporting medical professionals and students?

Alomedica provides a platform for medical students and healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest medical articles, case studies, and journals. It also offers a discussion forum for medical students to learn together.

Can the cast be safely exposed to water if precautions are taken?

Even with precautions like covering the cast with a plastic bag, it's best to avoid direct water exposure. While these measures can help prevent water from reaching the cast, they are not foolproof, and water exposure should be minimized.

What should patients do if they accidentally scratch the skin under the cast?

If a patient scratches the skin under the cast, they should monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or increased warmth. If any of these symptoms occur, they should contact a healthcare provider for advice and treatment.