The nurse is teaching a mother care of her child’s spica cast. The mother states that he complains of itching under the edge of the cast.

The nurse is teaching a mother care of her child’s spica cast. The mother states that he complains of itching under the edge of the cast.

One nonpharmacological technique the nurse might suggest would be:
A . “Blowing air under the cast using a hair dryer on cool setting often relieves itching.”
B . “Slide a ruler under the cast and scratch the area.”
C . “Guide a towel under and through the cast and move it back and forth to relieve the itch.”
D . “Gently thump on cast to dislodge dried skin that causes the itching.”

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) Cool air will often relieve pruritus without damaging the cast or irritating the skin.

(B) The nurse should never force anything under the cast, because the cast may become damaged and skin breakdown may occur.

(C) Forcing an object under the cast could lead to cast damage and skin breakdown. The object may become lodged under the cast necessitating cast removal.

(D) This technique does not dislodge skin cells. It could damage the cast and cause skin breakdown.