Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Full-length
Following her surgery, a 5-year-old child will return to the pediatric unit with a long-arm cast. She experienced a supracondylar fracture of the humerus near the elbow. Which nursing action is most essential during the first 24 hours after surgery and cast application?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Neurovascular status of the extremity is of primary importance. The risk of circulatory impairment exists with any cast application, especially with fractures near the elbow.