Which type of fracture occurs when a piece of bone is torn away by a ligament or tendon?

The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid placing any objects under the cast to prevent skin irritation, damage to the cast, and potential introduction of bacteria or contaminants.

a. Encouraging the patient to frequently remove the cast for skin care is not recommended, as it can compromise the cast's fit and function and increase the risk of complications.
b. Advising the patient to use a hairdryer on the cast to relieve itching is not recommended, as it can cause skin maceration and damage the cast.
d. Educating the patient to keep the cast exposed to air for prolonged periods is not recommended, as dirt and debris can get trapped inside the cast, increasing the risk of infection. The patient should follow the healthcare provider's instructions for cast care.

Before applying a cast, the nurse should obtain a baseline neurovascular assessment of the extremity to establish normal function. This assessment will serve as a reference for comparison throughout the cast's application and during the healing process.

a. Elevating the extremity to reduce swelling is a valuable intervention but is not directly related to applying a cast. It can be performed later as part of post-cast application care.
b. Applying ice packs to the fracture site can help reduce swelling and pain but is not a step in preparing for the cast application.
c. Administering analgesics to manage pain is important, but obtaining a baseline neurovascular assessment is the priority before applying a cast.