A nurse is providing teaching to a group of expectant parents about risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include?

A) Position the cast on a plastic-covered pillow:
Positioning the cast on a plastic-covered pillow is not recommended because the plastic can trap moisture and heat, potentially affecting the cast's integrity as it dries. Instead, a soft, absorbent material should be used to support the cast.

B) Perform neurovascular checks every 2 hr:
Frequent neurovascular checks are essential to monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, nerve damage, or impaired circulation. This action helps ensure that any changes in sensation, movement, or circulation are identified and addressed promptly.

C) Instruct the client to avoid moving the fingers on the left hand:
Encouraging the client to move their fingers is important to prevent stiffness and swelling and to promote circulation. Instructing the client to avoid moving their fingers is not appropriate and could lead to complications.

D) Touch the cast with the palms of the hands when moving the client:
Handling a wet plaster cast with the palms of the hands is correct to prevent indentations and pressure points that could cause skin irritation or pressure sores. However, this action is not as critical as performing frequent neurovascular checks to ensure the client's safety and monitor for complications.

A) Use petroleum jelly on a cotton ball to plug your ear when shampooing.
This method can help protect the ear from water exposure during showering or shampooing. However, it doesn't address trauma or hearing impairment prevention as effectively as avoiding pressure changes.

B) Clean dried blood in your ear canal with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Using cotton-tipped applicators can cause trauma to the ear canal and potentially disrupt the surgical site, increasing the risk of complications and impairing hearing.

C) Avoid blowing your nose for 1 month after surgery.
Avoiding nose blowing is crucial because it can create pressure changes in the ear that may disrupt the healing process and cause trauma to the surgical site, leading to potential hearing impairment.

D) Notify your provider if you have popping or crackling sensations in the affected ear.
Popping or crackling sensations can be normal as the ear heals and adjusts post-surgery. While it’s important to monitor symptoms, reporting them is not necessarily about preventing trauma or hearing impairment.