Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the guardians of a toddler who had a lower leg cast applied 24 hours ago. The nurse should instruct the guardians to report which of the following findings to the provider?

A) Mild swelling
B) Warmth around the cast
C) Complaints of itching
D) Foul odor or drainage

Answer 1

Guardians should report foul odor or drainage from a toddler's lower leg cast to the healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate a potential infection.

The correct answer is option D) Foul odor or drainage

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the appropriate care and monitoring for a toddler who has recently had a lower leg cast applied. When instructing the guardians on signs to watch for that might indicate a problem with a child's cast, it's essential to differentiate between normal and concerning symptoms. Mild swelling and warmth around the cast can be normal as the injury heals, and complaints of itching are also common and not unusual. However, foul odor or drainage from the cast could indicate a serious problem, such as an infection. If there is foul odor or drainage, it is vital to report this to the health care provider as it may require immediate medical attention.