Vital Signs and Assessment · NCLEX Exam

A patient has a new cast on lower leg. What basic care instruction should the nurse provide?

  1. The cast will shrink and loosen on its own; remove it whenever it feels comfortable
  2. Elevate the leg, ice for 24-48 hrs, check toes for color/warmth/movement, report numbness
  3. Keep the leg hanging down at all times so the swelling can drain away
  4. Walk on the casted leg right away without crutches or other assistance
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Correct answer: Elevate the leg, ice for 24-48 hrs, check toes for color/warmth/movement, report numbness

With new cast: elevate leg, ice, check neurovascular status (color/warmth/movement/sensation) and instruct to report complications.

Difficulty: Medium Question 22 of 28

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