A nurse teaching the parents of a 10-month-old infant about home safety. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A. Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.
Explanation: Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling, especially in the initial period after casting.
B. Place a heating pad on the lower end of the cast and over the fingers if the fingers feel cold.
Explanation: Applying heat can increase the risk of burns and is not recommended. If the fingers feel cold, it may indicate a circulation issue, and the healthcare provider should be contacted.
C. Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Explanation: Keeping small toys and sharp objects away from the cast is important to prevent injury or damage to the cast.
D. Use a padded ruler or another padded object to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
Explanation: Inserting objects under the cast can lead to complications, including skin damage or infection. It is advisable not to insert anything into the cast.
E. Use the fingertips to lift the cast while it is drying.
Explanation: Lifting or manipulating the cast during the drying process can compromise its integrity and should be avoided. The cast needs to dry completely to provide proper support and immobilization.
F. Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) if the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity.
Explanation: Numbness or tingling can indicate a circulation problem, and it is important to contact the healthcare provider for further assessment.

A. Cracked lips:
Incorrect: While red, cracked lips are part of the mucous membrane changes seen in Kawasaki disease, they are not specific to the acute stage. Mucous membrane changes can occur in both the acute and subacute stages.
B. Desquamation of the skin:
Incorrect: Desquamation, or peeling of the skin, is more characteristic of the subacute or convalescent stages of Kawasaki disease, particularly on the fingers and toes.
C. Normal appearance:
Incorrect: In the acute stage, the child with Kawasaki disease typically exhibits signs of illness, including fever and other clinical manifestations. A "normal appearance" would not be expected in the acute stage.
D. Conjunctival hyperemia.
Explanation: Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the eyes, is a common clinical manifestation of the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Other typical signs and symptoms during this stage include fever, mucous membrane changes (such as red, cracked lips), changes in the extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy.