Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Full-length
A client is reporting skin irritation from the edges of a cast that was applied the previous day. The nurse notes that the skin is pink and irritated. Which corrective action should the nurse take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The nurse should petal the edges of the cast with tape to minimize skin irritation. Massaging the skin will not help the problem. Powder should not be shaken under the cast because it could clump, become moist, and cause skin breakdown. A hair dryer is used on a cool low setting if a nonplaster cast becomes wet or if the client's skin itches under a cast.