When teaching cast care, the nurse instructs the client to:

• A. Blow dry the wet cast with a hair drier
• B. Report changes in sensation or mobility to the area
• C. Use only soft objects to slide down the cast for scratching
• D. Cut away the edges of the cast if the skin becomes irritated

Answer: (B)

Monitoring how the limb feels and moves is crucial in cast care. Changes in sensation, numbness, tingling, weakness, or reduced movement can signal nerves or blood vessels are being affected, or that swelling is compromising circulation. Catching these signs early allows for timely evaluation and intervention to prevent serious complications.

Those other actions aren’t appropriate. Drying a wet cast with heat from a hair dryer can burn the skin or damage the cast. Inserting objects under the cast to scratch can injure skin and lead to infection. Cutting or trimming the edges of the cast can weaken immobilization and injure surrounding tissue.