A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has a new plaster cast on her right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "You should give your child's last daily dose of the medication before 6 o'clock in the evening." Methylphenidate is a stimulant, and giving it too late in the day can cause insomnia. Administering the last dose before 6 PM helps minimize sleep disturbances.

B. "You will need to give your child the medication after meals." Methylphenidate is typically given before meals to enhance its absorption and effectiveness. Taking it after meals is not recommended as it can delay absorption.

C. "You will need to have your child's blood glucose level checked monthly." There is no need for regular blood glucose monitoring unless the child has other conditions like diabetes. Methylphenidate does not typically affect blood glucose levels.

D. "You should not give your child the medication on weekends." Continuous use of methylphenidate is generally recommended to provide consistent symptom control, including on weekends. “Drug holidays” may be considered in specific cases but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

A. Keep the client's leg in a dependent position. Keeping the leg in a dependent position can increase swelling and delay healing. The leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

B. Use a hair dryer on a hot setting to dry the cast. Using a hair dryer on a hot setting can cause burns and does not effectively dry a plaster cast. Plaster casts take time to dry and should be air-dried naturally.

C. Discourage the client from ambulating: Early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications like muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, as long as it is safe and the healthcare provider has approved it. Completely discouraging ambulation is not generally recommended unless specified by a doctor.

D. Perform a neurovascular check of the lower extremities. Neurovascular checks are essential to ensure that there is adequate blood flow and nerve function below the cast. This includes checking for pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, and paralysis (the 5 P’s). This helps detect complications like compartment syndrome or decreased circulation early.