Author Question: The patient has a broken leg and needs to have a cast applied. When plaster of Paris is compared and ... (Read 130 times)

123654777 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

The patient has a broken leg and needs to have a cast applied. When plaster of Paris is compared and contrasted versus the newer synthetic casts, which of the following statements is true?

a. Plaster of Paris can tolerate earlier weight bearing than synthetic casts.
b. Plaster of Paris is more expensive than synthetic casts.
c. Synthetic casts can withstand contact with water better than plaster of Paris.
d. Synthetic casts are lighter but take longer to set than plaster of Paris.

Question 2

Of the patients listed below, which would be a candidate for nasoenteric feeding tube placement?

a. Postmotor vehicle accident victim with a broken nose and jaw
b. Patient with a bleeding ulcer and possible esophageal varices
c. Elderly patient with a diagnosis of failure to thrive and an inability to chew
d. Patient with an esophageal tumor

Perkypinki · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Although the newer synthetic casts are more expensive than plaster of Paris, they can withstand contact with water without crumbling. A plaster of Paris cast has multiple rolls of open-weave cotton saturated with calcium sulfate crystals. These casts are heavier than synthetic casts and take 24 to 72 hours with no weight bearing or application of pressure while drying. Synthetic casts are lightweight, set in 15 minutes, and can sustain weight bearing or pressure in 15 to 30 minutes.

Answer to Question 2

C
Enteral nutrition, commonly called tube feeding, is the administration of nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract when a patient cannot ingest, chew, or swallow, but can digest and absorb nutrients. Nasoenteric tubes are contraindicated in patients with facial trauma, prolonged bleeding, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) blockage (as is seen in cases of solid cancer).