In the application of a plaster cast, the most appropriate nursing intervention is to
A) allow excess casting material to dry on the skin before removal.
B) carefully cut the stockinette to the exact length of the cast.
C) gently support the extremity from underneath.
D) flush plaster-laden water down the toilet rather than the sink.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse assisting during a cast application should support the extremity from underneath using only the palms of the hands to avoid applying pressure to any one area. The nurse should ensure he/she does not press fingertips into the cast or allow it to rest on a hard surface because this can lead to indentations in the cast that can ultimately cause pressure and injury to the client. The stockinette is cut several inches longer than the anticipated cast. As soon as the cast is applied, excess plaster needs to be removed from the client's skin. The water used to wet the plaster should be dumped down a sink with a plaster trap. If no such sink is available, the water should be allowed to sit until the plaster settles at the bottom of the bucket; then the water can be drained off the top and the plaster scooped out into a trash bag.

In the Application of a Plaster Cast, the Most Appropriate