Question

a nurse is caring for a client who had a fiberglass cast placed on her left arm several hours ago and now reports itching under the cast. which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• use a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow air into the cast.
• ask the provider to bivalve the cast.
• provide the client with a sterile cotton swab to rub the affected skin.
• wrap the extremity with a dry heating pad.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Using a hair dryer on cool to blow air into the cast helps relieve itching by promoting air circulation and reducing moisture, which is a standard nursing intervention for cast - related itching.
• Bivalving the cast (option 2) is usually for issues like compartment syndrome or severe pressure, not routine itching.
• Using a cotton swab (option 3) can damage the skin or the cast and introduce infection risk.
• A heating pad (option 4) would increase warmth and potentially worsen itching or cause skin irritation.

Answer:

A. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow air into the cast.