A Patient Hospitalized with Multiple Fractures Has a Long-Arm Plaster

question 31

Multiple Choice

A patient hospitalized with multiple fractures has a long-arm plaster cast applied for immobilization of a fractured left radius. Until the cast has completely dried, the nurse should

• A) keep the left arm in a dependent position.
• B) handle the cast with the palms of the hands.
• C) place gauze around the cast edge to pad any roughness.
• D) cover the cast with a small blanket to absorb the dampness.

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Definitions:

Intuitive

Relating to the ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning; instinctive.

Centrated

Focusing attention on one aspect of a situation or object while ignoring others, a concept found in Piaget's theory of cognitive development.

Irreversible

A process or event that cannot be undone or reversed once it has occurred.

Symbolic Function

Piaget’s term for ability to use mental representations (words, numbers, or images) to which a child has attached meaning.