A 7-year-old child has just had a cast applied for a fractured arm with the wrist and elbow immobilized. What information should be included in the home care instructions?
a. No restrictions of activity are indicated.
b. Elevate casted arm when both upright and resting.
c. The shoulder should be kept as immobile as possible to avoid pain.
d. Swelling of the fingers is to be expected. Notify a health professional if it persists more than 48 hours.
ANS: B
The injured extremity should be kept elevated while resting and in a sling when upright. This will increase venous return. The child should not engage in strenuous activity for the first few days. Rest with elevation of the extremity is encouraged. Joints above and below the cast on the affected extremity should be moved. Swelling of the fingers may indicate neurovascular damage and should be reported immediately. Permanent damage can occur within 6 to 8 hours.
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