A client with a cast reports skin irritation at the edges. What intervention should the nurse plan?

A client with a cast reports skin irritation at the edges. What intervention should the nurse plan?

• A. Petaling the cast edges with adhesive tape
• B. Applying a topical antibiotic under the cast
• C. Removing the cast for inspection
• D. Elevating the limb continuously until the irritation subsides

Answer: (A)

Protecting skin integrity around a cast by smoothing the edges is essential. When a cast edge is rough or sharp, it can rub against the skin, causing irritation, redness, or even a skin breakdown. Petaling the cast edges with adhesive tape involves applying tape along the edge to create a rounded, padded finish that reduces friction and shields the skin beneath. This simple measure preserves immobilization while directly addressing the source of irritation. The other options don’t fix the problem: applying a topical antibiotic under the cast won’t reach the irritated edge and could cause skin issues inside the cast; removing the cast would compromise immobilization; elevating the limb continuously doesn’t address the rubbing edge.

Protecting skin integrity around a cast by smoothing the edges is essential. When a cast edge is rough or sharp, it can rub against the skin, causing irritation, redness, or even a skin breakdown. Petaling the cast edges with adhesive tape involves applying tape along the edge to create a rounded, padded finish that reduces friction and shields the skin beneath. This simple measure preserves immobilization while directly addressing the source of irritation. The other options don’t fix the problem: applying a topical antibiotic under the cast won’t reach the irritated edge and could cause skin issues inside the cast; removing the cast would compromise immobilization; elevating the limb continuously doesn’t address the rubbing edge.