A client with a long leg cast is complaining of knee discomfort. Which nonpharmacologic intervention can the nurse use to help this client?
1. Apply ice to the knee over the cast.
2. Rub the knee of the non-casted leg.
3. Apply heat to the knee over the cast.
4. Rub the foot of the casted extremity.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Ice will not penetrate the cast.
Rationale 2: The nurse can use contralateral stimulation, which is accomplished by stimulating the skin in an area opposite to the painful area, such as stimulating the left knee if the pain is in the right knee. The nurse should explain the rationale to the client in that nerves are crossed in the spinal cord, and that is why this technique works contralaterally.
Rationale 3: Heat will not penetrate the cast.
Rationale 4: Rubbing the foot might not be effective to reduce pain in the knee.
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