A nurse is talking with a 13-year-old female client who is having her annual health-screening visit. Which of the following comments by the client should concern the nurse?

A. "I will provide low-fat meals for my child.": Children with cystic fibrosis need a high-calorie, high-fat diet to meet their increased energy needs and to help with growth and development due to malabsorption issues.

B. "I will restrict the amount of salt in my child's meals.": Children with cystic fibrosis tend to lose more salt through sweat and often require additional salt in their diet.

C. "I will put my child in daycare to ensure that she socializes with other children.": While socialization is important, children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for respiratory infections and should avoid environments where they are more likely to be exposed to pathogens.

D. "I will make sure my child washes her hands before eating.": Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing infections, which are a significant risk for children with cystic fibrosis due to their compromised lung function.

A. Keep the client's leg in a dependent position. Keeping the leg in a dependent position can increase swelling and delay healing. The leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

B. Use a hair dryer on a hot setting to dry the cast. Using a hair dryer on a hot setting can cause burns and does not effectively dry a plaster cast. Plaster casts take time to dry and should be air-dried naturally.

C. Discourage the client from ambulating: Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications like muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, as long as it is safe and the healthcare provider has approved it. Completely discouraging ambulation is not generally recommended unless specified by a doctor.

D. Perform a neurovascular check of the lower extremities. Neurovascular checks are essential to ensure that there is adequate blood flow and nerve function below the cast. This includes checking for pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, and paralysis (the 5 P’s). This helps detect complications like compartment syndrome or decreased circulation early.