A nurse is planning to administer 2 units of packed RBCs to an older adult client who has anemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale:

• "We should expect the swelling and tingling to worsen before it gets better." This statement needs reinforcement because worsening swelling and tingling can indicate early signs of compartment syndrome. These symptoms are not normal and should prompt immediate medical attention.

• "It is important that our child avoids placing anything inside the cast." This statement reflects understanding because inserting objects inside the cast can break the skin and introduce bacteria, leading to infection. It may also damage the padding and compromise skin protection.
• "We should prop the casted arm on pillows for the next 24 hours." Elevating the limb helps reduce swelling and pain by improving venous return. Keeping the casted arm elevated is a standard part of cast care teaching after an injury.
• "We should notify the provider if the cast becomes loose over time." A loose cast may no longer immobilize the fracture effectively and can allow excessive movement. It may also rub the skin, increasing the risk of irritation or breakdown.
• "We need to be very careful about how we handle the cast for the first 2 days while it dries." This shows understanding because a plaster cast takes 24 to 48 hours to fully dry. Improper handling can cause pressure indentations, leading to skin damage and poor cast integrity.

Rationale:

A. Palpate the client's bladder in 1 hour: Waiting another hour to assess the bladder delays intervention. At 10 hours postpartum with no void, immediate action is needed to stimulate voiding or assess for urinary retention.

B. Place the client's hands in a bowl of cold water: This technique is more commonly used in children and is less effective in stimulating voiding in postpartum adults. It is not a first-line strategy in this context.

C. Have the client listen to running water while on the toilet: This is a noninvasive and effective method to stimulate the urge to void by triggering the micturition reflex. It can help relax pelvic muscles and encourage urination postpartum.

D. Perform effleurage over the client's lower abdomen: Effleurage is a light massage technique used primarily for labor pain management. It is not a recognized or effective method to promote urination in postpartum care.