A 3-year-old had a hip spica cast applied 2 hours ago. In order to facilitate drying, the nurse should:
A. Expose the cast to air and turn the child frequently.
B. Use a heat lamp to reduce the drying time.
C. Handle the cast with the abductor bar.
D. Turn the child as little as possible.
Correct Answer: A. Expose the cast to air and turn the child frequently
The child should be turned every 2 hours, with the surface exposed to the air. Casts and splints hold the bones in place while they heal. They also reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasm.
Option B: Heat lamps may cause burns in the skin inside the cast. Inspect the skin around the cast. If the skin becomes red or raw around the cast, contact a doctor.
Option C: Do not handle the cast until it is dry because it might still break. It takes about one hour for fiberglass, and two to three days for plaster to become hard enough to walk on. Some physicians will give a “cast shoe” to wear over a walking cast. The cast shoe will help protect the bottom of the cast.
Option D: Turning the child would ensure equal drying of the cast at all sides. Keep the cast dry. If the cast becomes wet, it can hurt the child’s skin. Do not try to dry cast with something warm (i.e., a blow dryer) this may cause burns.