Question

The nurse is caring for a child in a plaster-of-Paris hip spica cast. To facilitate drying, the nurse should:

Use a small hand-held hair dryer set on medium heat.
Place a small heater near the child's bed.
Turn the child at least every two hours.
Allow one side to dry before changing positions.

Answer 1

Nurses should turn the child with a hip spica cast every two hours to promote even drying, avoiding concentrated heat to prevent skin burns and ensure even drying and cast strength.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a child in a plaster-of-Paris hip spica cast should facilitate drying by turning the child at least every two hours. This method promotes even drying and prevents the concentration of heat, which could potentially burn the skin. Using a small hand-held hair dryer set on medium heat could be used cautiously with the focus of not concentrating heat in one area, but it is generally safer to allow air drying. Placing a small heater near the child's bed or allowing one side to dry before changing positions could lead to uneven drying and potential cast weakening. It's important to note that after treatment for conditions such as clubfoot, adherence to postoperative instructions, including cast care, is vital for a successful recovery.