Final answer:
A nurse should monitor for skin breakdown, pressure ulcers, and respiratory issues such as respiratory distress and pneumonia when a patient is in a large body cast, especially among the elderly due to the risks associated with immobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is in a large body cast, a nurse should particularly monitor for skin breakdown and pressure ulcers, and also for respiratory issues such as respiratory distress and pneumonia. Skin breakdown, or pressure sores, happen due to long-term, unrelieved pressure on certain parts of the body, often over bony areas. These inflammations can reduce blood flow, leading to tissue necrosis, which may become life-threatening if they get infected.
For elderly individuals, especially those with hip fractures, the immobility during healing can result in respiratory problems like pneumonia due to poor air exchange, or the formation of blood clots that can cause respiratory failure. Hence, it is crucial to manage these risks by implementing regular position changes, monitoring skin integrity, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing overall vigilant care to prevent complications.