Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
School-age child following surgery and cast application to the right forearmA nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a school-age child following surgery and cast application to the right forearm. Which of the following information is the priority for the nurse to include?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Monitor for pallor or swelling in the child's affected hand. This is the priority because it indicates potential circulation issues, such as compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency. Pallor and swelling are signs of decreased blood flow, which can lead to tissue damage. It is crucial to monitor these signs closely to prevent complications.
A: Examining for skin irritation is important for skin health but not the priority compared to monitoring for circulation issues.
B: Using a hair dryer for itching is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and cause skin issues under the cast.
C: Restricting strenuous activities is important but not as critical as monitoring for circulation issues.
Summary: Monitoring for pallor or swelling is crucial for early detection of circulation problems, while the other choices focus on secondary aspects of cast care.
A: Examining for skin irritation is important for skin health but not the priority compared to monitoring for circulation issues.
B: Using a hair dryer for itching is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and cause skin issues under the cast.
C: Restricting strenuous activities is important but not as critical as monitoring for circulation issues.
Summary: Monitoring for pallor or swelling is crucial for early detection of circulation problems, while the other choices focus on secondary aspects of cast care.