The nurse prepares a list of home care instructions for the parents of a child who has a plaster cast applied to the left forearm. Which instructions would be included on the list? Select all that apply.
Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.
Place a heating pad on the lower end of the cast and over the fingers if the fingers feel cold.
Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Use a padded ruler or another padded object to scratch the skin under the cast if it itches.
Use the fingertips to lift the cast while it is drying
Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP) If the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity
Correct Answer : A,C,F
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Range-of-motion exercises must be performed every day."
Explanation: While range-of-motion exercises are important for maintaining joint flexibility in juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it is not advisable to perform these exercises during painful exacerbations. The frequency and intensity of exercises may need to be adjusted based on the child's current condition.
B. "Administer additional pain medication before performing range-of-motion exercises."
Explanation: While pain management is important in the care of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, relying solely on pain medication before exercises may not be the most effective approach. Isometric exercises that are less likely to cause pain can be a better option during exacerbations.
C. "Have the child perform simple isometric exercises during this time."
Explanation:
During a painful exacerbation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it is important to maintain joint flexibility and prevent joint contractures. Simple isometric exercises that do not involve joint movement can help in maintaining muscle strength and joint flexibility without exacerbating pain. Range-of-motion exercises may be too painful during an exacerbation, but isometric exercises can be less painful and still beneficial.
D. "Avoid all exercise during painful periods."
Explanation: Complete avoidance of exercise during painful periods is not recommended. Maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength is important for managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. However, the type and intensity of exercises should be adjusted based on the child's pain level during exacerbations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water."
Explanation: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially for individuals with paralysis who may be prone to urinary issues. Carrying a water bottle is a good practice to maintain adequate hydration.
B. "Use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement."
Explanation: Using a suppository for regular bowel movements is a positive self-care behavior. It helps manage bowel care, which is important for individuals with paralysis.
C. "I do wheelchair exercises while watching TV."
Explanation: Engaging in wheelchair exercises to maintain mobility is a positive self-care behavior. It helps prevent complications related to being sedentary, such as muscle atrophy.
D. "I only need to catheterize myself twice every day."
Explanation: This statement may indicate a need for further teaching. Individuals with paralysis, especially due to conditions like spina bifida, often have neurogenic bladder dysfunction. They typically require more frequent catheterization, potentially every 4-6 hours, to ensure adequate bladder emptying and reduce the risk of complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections.

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