The nurse is performing discharge teaching to the parents of a child with a newly applied plaster cast for a fractured arm. Which of the following statements made by the parents would require follow-up?
The nurse is performing discharge teaching to the parents of a child with a newly applied plaster cast for a fractured arm. Which of the following statements made by the parents would require follow-up?
A. “As the cast dries, it can feel a bit warm.”
[10%]
B. "I can put some lotion on the edges of the cast if my child complains of a persistent itch."
[62%]
C. "We should keep his arm propped up with a pillow to help reduce swelling."
[18%]
D. "A blow dryer on the cool setting may help with any itching."
[10%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Musculoskeletal
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Illness Management
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. The client should not apply lotion on the edges of the cast because it may trap moisture and lead to fungal infection. This statement requires follow-up.
Choice A is incorrect. As the cast dries, it feels warm due to the water evaporating and the client's body heat. This statement does not require follow-up because it is accurate.
Choice C is incorrect. The extremity should be elevated for the first 48-72 hours to reduce swelling. Keeping the extremity below the heart would not reduce the swelling. This statement does not require follow-up because it is accurate.
Choice D is incorrect. Itching and skin discomfort may be alleviated by the client applying a blow dryer on the cool setting. This statement does not require follow-up because it is accurate.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Casts
12.10 Orthopedic Care & Immobilization
Additional Info
Plaster casts are not commonly used and have been widely replaced by fiberglass material. However, it is important for all types of casts that the client is taught:
✓ Plaster cast should be exposed to air until it is dry.
✓ Plaster cast should be handled with the palms instead of the fingers to avoid indentation.
✓ All casts should be kept dry and out of the shower.
✓ The affected extremity that is casted should be elevated for the first 24 hours (above the heart).
✓ Manifestations of compartment syndrome (paresthesias, unrelieved pain) should be taught to the client.
✓ Objects should not be inserted into the cast. A hairdryer in a cool setting may be used if the skin itches.
