A child is upset because, when the cast is removed from her leg, the skin surface is caked with desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions. What should the nurse suggest to remove this material?

The nurse's best response to the parents of a 10-year-old child newly diagnosed with type 1
diabetes mellitus, who are concerned about the child's continued participation in soccer, is to
reassure them that it is generally safe for the child to play sports such as soccer unless the
weather is too hot.
Regular physical activity, including participation in sports, is generally encouraged for
children with type 1 diabetes as long as certain precautions are taken. It is important for the
child to have a well-managed diabetes management plan in place, which may include
monitoring blood sugar levels before, during, and after physical activity, adjusting insulin
doses as necessary, and having appropriate snacks available to maintain blood sugar levels.
Option B, suggesting the swim team as an alternative to soccer, may be a viable option if the
child or parents prefer swimming or if the child has specific concerns related to soccer.
However, it is not the best response to the parents' concern about the child's continued
participation in soccer.
Option C, recommending an extra carbohydrate snack before soccer practice, is a valid
suggestion to help maintain the child's blood sugar levels during physical activity. However,
it should be part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan and not the sole response to
the parents' concern.
Option D, encouraging intellectual activity rather than participation in sports, is not
appropriate as physical activity is generally beneficial for children with type 1 diabetes, as
long as appropriate precautions are taken.

When the skin surface is caked with desquamated skin and sebaceous secretions after the removal of a cast, the nurse should suggest washing the area with warm water and soap. This will help to gently cleanse the skin and remove the accumulated material without causing unnecessary trauma or irritation.

Option A, applying powder to absorb the material, may not effectively remove the caked material and could potentially lead to further clumping or discomfort.

Option B, vigorously scrubbing the leg, can be harsh on the skin and may cause skin irritation, redness, or even abrasions. It is important to be gentle and avoid excessive scrubbing, especially on the fragile and recently exposed skin.

Option C, carefully picking the material off the leg, can increase the risk of skin injury or introduce bacteria into the skin. Picking at the skin should be avoided to prevent further damage or infection.

Therefore, option D, washing the area with warm water and soap, is the most appropriate and gentle method to remove the caked material from the skin surface