A nurse is providing teaching to a parent of a child who has HIV. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. This is the first and most critical action to take. If the dressing is saturated with blood, it indicates that there may be active bleeding at the catheter insertion site. Applying direct pressure just above the insertion site helps control bleeding by promoting clot formation and reducing blood flow to the area.
B. Monitoring the pulse distal to the insertion site is important for assessing blood flow and identifying potential complications such as arterial occlusion or hematoma formation. However, it is not the first action to take when there is active bleeding. While this assessment is important, controlling the bleeding takes precedence.

C. Obtaining vital signs is important for assessing the child’s overall condition and identifying signs of potential hemodynamic instability. However, it is not the first step when there is immediate, active bleeding. Addressing the bleeding directly is more urgent to prevent further complications.
D. Reinforcing the dressing might be necessary if the bleeding has been controlled. However, if the dressing is already saturated, simply reinforcing it without addressing the underlying bleeding issue may not be effective and could delay necessary intervention.

A. While it is important to check for skin irritation at the cast edges, this is not the most immediate concern compared to other potential complications. Skin irritation can occur, but it is a less urgent issue compared to signs of more serious problems like impaired circulation or swelling.
B. Itching is a common issue with casts, and using a hair dryer on a cool setting can help relieve this discomfort. However, this is a comfort measure and does not address the more critical aspects of cast care and potential complications.
C. Restricting strenuous activities is important to prevent complications and ensure proper healing, but it is not the most immediate concern following cast application. The timeframe may also need to be

longer than just 3 days, depending on the type of surgery and cast. Specific activity restrictions should be based on the child's condition and the surgeon's recommendations.
D. Monitoring for pallor and swelling is critical because these signs can indicate compromised circulation or other serious complications related to the cast. Swelling and changes in skin color can suggest that the cast is too tight or that there is a problem with blood flow. Immediate attention is needed if these symptoms are observed to prevent further complications.