A patient sustains a closed femur fracture of the right tibia and is placed in a long leg plaster cast, which is still damp. Which of the following methods should the nurse use to move the cast to prevent complications?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Use your fingertips to grasp the cast: Rationale: Fingertips exert uneven pressure, which can cause dents in a damp plaster cast. These dents can create pressure points and lead to skin breakdown. B. Use your palms to move the cast: Rationale: Palms distribute pressure more evenly, preventing indentations and maintaining the integrity of the damp plaster cast. C. Have the patient reposition their own leg: Rationale: This can result in poor technique or excessive movement, which could misalign the fracture or deform the cast. D. Do not move the cast until it is dry: Rationale: Sometimes repositioning is necessary for comfort, circulation checks, or hygiene, even if the cast is damp. Movement must be done carefully using the correct technique.