A nurse at a pediatrician’s office answers a phone call from a parent whose child just ingested 15 vitamin tablets with added ferrous sulfate.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the parent?

Choice A rationale
Discouraging the client from ambulating is not the best action. While it’s important to limit weight-bearing activities initially, movement is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
Choice B rationale
Using a hair dryer on a hot setting to dry the cast is not recommended. Heat can cause the cast to dry out and crack, and it can also burn the skin.
Choice C rationale
Keeping the client’s leg in a dependent position is not advisable. This can lead to increased swelling and pain, and potentially delay healing.
Choice D rationale
Performing a neurovascular check of the lower extremities is the correct action. This involves assessing for pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis. These checks are crucial for monitoring for complications such as compartment syndrome and ensuring the cast is not too tight.

Choice A rationale
A 2+ right pedal pulse indicates a normal pulse and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.
Choice B rationale
Tingling in the right foot could indicate nerve damage or compromised blood flow, which can be a serious complication of a femur fracture. This should be the nurse’s priority as it could lead to long-term damage if not addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale
A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is considered normal and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.
Choice D rationale
A respiratory rate of 24/min is within the normal range for a school-age child and is not a cause for immediate concern in a child with a femur fracture.