The parents of a child with an above the knee plaster cast are preparing to take the child home. The nurse would know that the teaching was successful if the parents make which of the following statements?
1. "We can dry the casts faster with a heat lamp."
2. "We will keep a wire hanger nearby in case of an itch."
3. "We will need to frequently check the temperature and color of our child's toes."
4. "We can keep the cast clean with soap and water."
Answer: 3
The parents will need to assess the extremities distal to the cast for neurovascular circulation, which is the priority issue. External heat such as a heat lamp should not be used to dry the cast, because it would promote swelling inside of the cast. However, a hair dryer on low setting can be used until the cast is thoroughly dried. Putting water on a plaster cast can soften it and cause it to become misshapen and lose strength. Nothing should be inserted into the cast.
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Mobility Nclex
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