A client has an arm cast and reports that it feels really tight and the fingers are puffy. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Elevate your arm on two pillows and ap-ply ice to the cast."
b. "Continue to take ibuprofen (Motrin) until the swelling subsides."
c. "It is normal for a new cast to feel a little tight for the first few days."
d. "Please come to the clinic today to have your arm checked by the health care pro-vider."
D
Puffy fingers and a feeling of tightness from the cast may indicate the development of compart-ment syndrome. The client should come to the clinic that day to be evaluated by the provider be-cause delay of treatment can cause permanent damage to the extremity. Ice and Motrin are ac-ceptable actions, but checking the cast is the priority because it ensures client safety. The nurse should not just reassure the client that this is normal.
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