Final answer:
The nurse should petal the cast edges with adhesive tape to alleviate skin irritation. This method creates a smooth, rounded edge on the cast. It's essential to monitor cuts and abrasions for infection signs such as increased redness, swelling, and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a 9-year-old patient is complaining of skin irritation from the edges of a cast that was applied the previous day, the nurse should petal the cast edges with adhesive tape. This action serves to protect the skin from the rough edges of the cast by smoothing them out and providing a softer barrier. Petaling involves placing strips of adhesive tape in an overlapping manner around the edge of the cast, similar to the petals on a flower, to create a smooth, rounded edge that is less likely to irritate the skin. The nurse should avoid massaging the skin at the rim of the cast or filing the edges until smooth, as these actions may cause further irritation or damage to the skin.
Additionally, applying more casting material is not the recommended solution as it can make the cast too tight and may exacerbate the skin irritation.
Monitoring for increased redness, swelling, and pain after a cut or abrasion has been cleaned and bandaged is crucial because these signs can indicate the early stages of an infection. When the body's skin barrier is broken, bacteria can enter and multiply, leading to infection. If an infection is caught early, it can be treated more effectively, potentially preventing more serious health complications. Immediate attention to these symptoms ensures timely intervention and treatment.