renal cast

cast (kast)

1. a positive copy of an object, e.g., a mold of a tube or hollow organ, formed of effused matter such as fat or cellular debris and later extruded from the organ, such as a urinary cast.

2. a positive copy of the tissues of the jaws, made in an impression, and over which denture bases or other restorations may be fabricated.

3. to form an object in a mold.

4. a stiff dressing or casing, usually made of plaster of Paris, used to immobilize body parts.

5. strabismus.

---

dental cast  see cast (2).

hanging cast  one applied to the arm in fracture of the shaft of the humerus, suspended by a sling looped around the neck.

renal cast , urinary cast one formed from gelled protein in the renal tubules, molded to the shape of the tubular lumen.

---

renal cast

n.

Any of various casts that are formed in the renal tubule and found in the urine and consist of materials such as albumin, cells, and blood.

---

renal cast,

a cast formed from gelled protein precipitated in the renal tubules and molded to the tubular lumen. Pieces of these casts break off and are washed out with the urine. Types named for their constituent material include epithelial, granular, hyaline, and waxy casts. In renal disease, casts may be seen containing red or white blood cells. Also called urinary cast.

---

cast [kast]

1. a positive copy of an object.

2. to make such a copy.

3. a mold of a tube or hollow organ (such as a renal tubule or bronchiole), formed of effused matter and eliminated from the body. See also urinary cast.

4. a positive copy or mold of the tissues of the jaws, made in an impression, and over which denture bases or other restorations may be fabricated.

5. strabismus.

6. a stiff dressing or casing, usually made of plaster of Paris, used to immobilize body parts.

Patient Care. If the patient is confined to bed after a plaster of Paris cast is applied, it is necessary to provide a firm mattress protected by a waterproof material. Several small pillows should be available for placing under the curves of the cast to prevent remolding or cracking of the plaster and to provide adequate support of the patient. When handling a wet cast only the palm or flat of the hand is used so that the fingertips will not make indentations that might produce pressure against the patient's skin.

While the cast is drying it is left uncovered to allow circulation of air around it. Extreme heat should not be used to hasten drying of a plaster of Paris cast, as this may produce burns under the cast. Synthetic casts, however, may be set or cured with heat. To minimize crumbling of the edges and irritation of the skin around and under the cast, a strip of stockinette or adhesive tape is applied so that the rim of the cast is thoroughly covered. Observation of the patient for signs of impaired circulation, pressure against a nerve, or compartmental syndrome is extremely important. Any numbness, recurrent pain, or tingling should be reported at once. If a limb is enclosed in a cast it should be elevated to reduce swelling. Cyanosis or blanching of the fingers or toes extending from a cast usually indicates impaired blood flow, which may lead to serious complications if not corrected immediately.

renal cast (urinary cast) a cast formed from gelled protein precipitated in the renal tubules and molded to the tubular lumen; pieces of these casts break off and are washed out with the urine. Types named for their constituent material include epithelial, granular, hyaline, and waxy casts. In renal disease, casts may be seen containing red or white blood cells.

walking cast a lower extremity cast with an attached heel or other support so that the patient is able to ambulate while the cast is in place.