A 14 year old boy has a fiberglass cast placed on their left arm after a snowboarding accident The LPN is reinforcing the patient education on cast care. Which statement by the client demonstrates proper cast care knowledge?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "I can shower with the cast on since it is fiberglass": While fiberglass casts are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. Submerging the cast in water can soften the padding and compromise the cast’s integrity, increasing the risk of skin irritation or delayed healing. B. "If I break the cast I need to call the doctor": Any cracks, breaks, or soft spots in the cast can lead to loss of proper immobilization, resulting in misalignment of the fracture and delayed bone healing. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider ensures timely assessment and intervention to maintain fracture stability. C. "I can use a ruler to scratch inside the cast if it starts to itch": Inserting objects into the cast can damage the skin, cause abrasions, or introduce infection. Itching should be managed with approved methods, such as tapping the cast or using a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow air inside. D. "I should lay in bed for the next 6 weeks to allow the bone time to heal": Prolonged immobility is unnecessary and may increase the risk of complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, or venous thromboembolism. Appropriate activity as permitted by the provider promotes circulation, strength, and functional recovery while maintaining fracture stability.