A nurse is developing a plan of care to prevent skin breakdown for a client with a spinal cord injury and paralysis. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

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.

Choice A reason:
Notifying the client that they will receive a food tray in the recovery room is not typically a priority in preoperative education. Nutritional status post-surgery is important, but immediate postoperative care focuses on recovery from anesthesia and monitoring for complications.

Choice B reason:
Reminding the client that they will return to their room after surgery is part of routine information that may help orient the patient postoperatively. However, it is not a specific intervention that will aid in the recovery process or prevent complications.

Choice C reason:
Informing the client that the recovery nurse will instruct them on how to manage postoperative pain is important, but it is not the primary focus of preoperative education. Pain management is typically addressed both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Choice D reason:
Providing instructions on how to cough and deep breathe effectively is a critical component of preoperative education for clients undergoing abdominal surgery. Effective coughing and deep breathing exercises help prevent postoperative complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis by promoting lung expansion and secretion clearance.