A nurse is planning care for a child who is unresponsive and has increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Restrict movement of the toes of the affected leg: Limiting toe movement is not necessary unless the toes are being injured. Encouraging gentle movement of the toes can promote circulation and prevent stiffness while the cast sets. Restricting toe motion unnecessarily can increase the risk of complications like decreased perfusion.

B. Dry the cast with a hair dryer set on a warm setting: Using a hair dryer on a warm setting can cause burns or damage the cast material before it fully sets. Casts should be allowed to dry naturally, and heat sources should be avoided during the initial hardening period to prevent injury.

C. Reposition the affected leg using fingertips: Touching or pressing on a newly applied plaster cast can cause indentations, leading to pressure points that may result in skin breakdown or impaired circulation. The cast should be handled minimally and supported rather than manipulated directly.

D. Support the affected leg on a pillow: Elevating and supporting the leg on a pillow helps reduce edema, provides comfort, and promotes proper alignment while the cast sets. This intervention is safe and appropriate during the immediate postoperative or post-cast application period.

A. A room with a laminar airflow filtration system: Laminar airflow rooms are designed for clients who are immunocompromised to reduce exposure to airborne pathogens. Clients with hyperthyroidism do not require this level of infection control, so this room type is unnecessary.

B. A room with a cool temperature: Hyperthyroidism increases the client’s metabolic rate, which can lead to heat intolerance and excessive sweating. Assigning a room with a cooler temperature helps maintain comfort and prevent overheating, making it the most appropriate choice for this client.

C. A room that has a private bathroom: While a private bathroom may be convenient for some clients, it is not specifically necessary for hyperthyroidism. The client’s primary needs relate to temperature control and symptom management rather than isolation or frequent toileting.

D. A room near the nurses’ station: Proximity to the nurses’ station is helpful for clients requiring close monitoring, but a client with stable hyperthyroidism does not typically need continuous observation. Room placement near the station is not the priority compared to maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature.