Final answer:
Post-application care for a hip spica cast includes exposing the cast to air and turning the child frequently, which helps in even drying of the cast and prevents pressure sores. It is crucial for the successful treatment of conditions such as clubfoot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the care of a young child who has just had a hip spica cast applied, likely as part of treatment for a condition such as clubfoot. Corrective casting, which includes the hip spica cast, is a technique used to treat clubfoot non-surgically in many cases. The best results for clubfoot treatment are obtained when the treatment begins in the first 2 weeks after birth. After a cast is applied, it is essential to ensure proper drying to maintain the cast's shape and effectiveness. The nurse should expose the cast to air and turn the child frequently to facilitate even drying and prevent the cast from becoming damp on one side which could lead to skin irritation or pressure sores.
Exposing the cast to air helps the water in the cast evaporate. Turning the child frequently is important for a couple of reasons. It helps prevent pressure sores from developing, an important aspect of postoperative care, and also aids in drying the cast evenly. Heat lamps or other direct heat sources are generally discouraged as they can cause burns or uneven drying. The cast should not be handled using the abductor bar until it's completely dry, and it's important that the child isn't left in a single position for too long to prevent complications.