A nurse is caring for a client who is wearing antiembolic stockings. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Action. The action stage involves actively modifying behaviors, practices, or environments. Since the group is already in the process of reducing pesticide use, they are implementing change, which is characteristic of this stage.
B. Contemplation. In the contemplation stage, individuals or groups are aware a problem exists and are thinking about making a change but have not yet taken action. This does not apply here, as the group has already begun changing their practices.
C. Maintenance. The maintenance stage occurs after a behavior has been successfully adopted and sustained for a period of time. The goal in this stage is to prevent relapse and continue positive behavior, which the group has not yet reached.
D. Preparation. The preparation stage includes planning and small initial steps toward change but not full implementation. Since the group is already working on reducing pesticide use, they have moved beyond this stage.

A. Place an ice pack over the cast. While this can help reduce swelling and pain, it is a comfort measure, not the priority. Safety assessments must be completed first before implementing non-urgent interventions.
B. Position the casted extremity on a pillow. Elevation is important to reduce swelling, but it follows after ensuring that circulation to the extremity is intact and that there are no signs of vascular compromise.
C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry. Education is essential for long-term cast care, but it is not the first action after cast application. Immediate post-procedural monitoring takes precedence.
D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast. The nurse should first assess for adequate circulation by checking distal pulses. This helps identify early signs of complications like compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow, making it the highest priority.