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?

A. While it is important to check for skin irritation at the cast edges, this is not the most immediate concern compared to other potential complications. Skin irritation can occur, but it is a less urgent issue compared to signs of more serious problems like impaired circulation or swelling. B. Itching is a common issue with casts, and using a hair dryer on a cool setting can help relieve this discomfort. However, this is a comfort measure and does not address the more critical aspects of cast care and potential complications. C. Restricting strenuous activities is important to prevent complications and ensure proper healing, but it is not the most immediate concern following cast application. The timeframe may also need to be longer than just 3 days, depending on the type of surgery and cast. Specific activity restrictions should be based on the child's condition and the surgeon's recommendations. D. Monitoring for pallor and swelling is critical because these signs can indicate compromised circulation or other serious complications related to the cast. Swelling and changes in skin color can suggest that the cast is too tight or that there is a problem with blood flow. Immediate attention is needed if these symptoms are observed to prevent further complications.