When giving home care instructions to a patient who has comminuted forearm fractures and a long-arm cast on the left arm, which information should the nurse include?
a. Keep the left shoulder elevated on a pillow or cushion.
b. Keep the hand immobile to prevent soft tissue swelling.
c. Call the health care provider for increased swelling or numbness of the hand.
d. Avoid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 24 hours after the injury.
ANS: C
Increased swelling or numbness may indicate increased pressure at the injury, and the health care provider should be notified immediately to avoid damage to nerves and other tissues. The patient should be encouraged to move the joints above and below the cast to avoid stiffness. There is no need to elevate the shoulder, although the forearm should be elevated to reduce swelling. NSAIDs are appropriate to treat pain after a fracture.
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