A nurse is caring for a client who has a new cast in place for a fractured tibia. The nurse should recognize that which intervention is a PRIORITY?

A. Assess capillary refill distal to the client's cast: Monitoring circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) distal to the cast is the highest priority, as impaired perfusion can lead to compartment syndrome or ischemic injury. Early detection of delayed capillary refill, pallor, or cool extremities allows for immediate intervention to prevent permanent tissue damage. B. Discuss cast care with the client: Patient education on cast care is important to prevent skin breakdown and maintain cast integrity. However, this is not an immediate priority compared to assessing neurovascular status after cast application. C. Apply lotion to the skin around the client's cast: Applying lotion may provide skin comfort and prevent dryness, but it is not urgent and does not address potential complications from the cast, such as neurovascular compromise. D. Inspect the client's cast for cracks: Ensuring the cast is intact helps maintain immobilization, but a crack does not pose an immediate threat to circulation or tissue viability unless it contributes to pressure points. Neurovascular assessment remains the priority.