A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a school-age child following surgery and cast application to the right forearm.Which of the following information is the priority for the nurse to include?

The correct answer is Choice C.Choice A rationaleRestricting the child’s strenuous activities for 3 days is important, but it is not the priority. Monitoring for signs of impaired circulation or complications is more critical.Choice B rationaleUsing a hair dryer on a cool setting to relieve itching can be helpful, but it is not the priority. The priority is to monitor for signs of impaired circulation.Choice C rationaleMonitoring for pallor or swelling in the child’s affected hand is the priority because it can indicate impaired circulation or compartment syndrome, which are serious complications that require immediate attention.Choice D rationaleExamining the child for skin irritation at the cast edges is important to prevent complications, but it is not the priority over monitoring for circulation and potential complications. .