A nurse in a clinic is talking with a client who has a new diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The nurse should anticipate that the client will require teaching about which of the following medications?

Choice A reason:
It is important to keep a Plaster of Paris cast dry because moisture can weaken the cast and irritate the skin underneath. Therefore, the cast should be covered while showering to prevent it from getting wet.

Choice B reason:
Applying ice to the foot after walking can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. It is a common recommendation for managing discomfort associated with a walking cast. The ice should be applied over the cast at the level of the injury for 15-30 minutes, repeating every few hours for the first few days.

Choice C reason:
While a musty odor can develop over time due to sweat and lack of air circulation, it is not necessarily normal and could indicate a problem such as an infection. If there is a persistent unpleasant odor, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Choice D reason:
Numbness or pain in the toes can be a sign of compromised circulation or nerve compression and should be reported immediately. It is crucial to monitor for any changes in sensation or increased pain, as these could indicate a serious issue that requires medical attention.

The correct answer is: a, b, c, and e.

Choice A: “I will make sure to feel for changes in my underarm area.”

Reason: This statement is correct because the underarm area (axilla) contains lymph nodes that can be affected by breast cancer. Including the underarm area in a breast self-exam helps in detecting any unusual lumps or changes that could indicate a problem.

Choice B: “It is important to press firmly when feeling my breasts to detect changes.”

Reason: This statement is correct because using firm pressure during a breast self-exam helps to feel the deeper tissues of the breast, which is essential for detecting any abnormalities or lumps that might be present.

Choice C: “I don’t have to lie down to check my breasts. I can stand in the shower.”

Reason: This statement is correct because performing a breast self-exam in the shower is a common and effective method. The wet and slippery skin makes it easier to feel for any changes or lumps in the breast tissue.

Choice D: “If I feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of my breasts, I should report this immediately.”

Reason: This statement is incorrect because it is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of the breast. This ridge is part of the normal breast anatomy and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Choice E: “Since I no longer have periods, I can perform an examination at any time of the month.”

Reason: This statement is correct because menopausal women do not have menstrual cycles to guide the timing of their breast self-exams. Therefore, they can choose any consistent day each month to perform the exam.