The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.

The nurse is assisting with the care the client prior to a blood transfusion

Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

A) Medical health insurance claims:
Medical health insurance claims are not relevant to the referral for physical therapy. This information is typically handled by billing departments and insurance providers. The focus of a physical therapy referral is on the patient's clinical condition and needs, not their insurance coverage.

B) Physical assessment findings:
This is the most relevant information to include in a referral for physical therapy. The physical assessment findings provide the physical therapist with important details about the client's mobility, strength, range of motion, and other factors that can guide the creation of an individualized therapy plan. These findings help the therapist understand the client's current physical capabilities and limitations.

C) Medications taken prior to admission:
While it is important for the healthcare team to be aware of the medications a client is taking, this information is not as crucial for the physical therapy referral itself. The physical therapist may need to know about medications if they have a direct impact on the client's physical functioning (e.g., sedatives or pain medications), but the primary focus for the referral would be on the physical assessment findings.

D) Family medical history:
Family medical history is typically relevant to a broader health assessment but is not generally included in a referral for physical therapy. The therapist will be more concerned with the client's current physical condition and functional abilities rather than the medical history of the client's family.

A) "The client should use a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast.": Using a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast is not recommended because it could potentially lead to burns or skin irritation. The client should avoid inserting objects inside the cast to scratch, as this could damage the skin or cause an infection.


B) "The client can shower with the cast after 24 hr.": A plaster cast is not waterproof, and the client should avoid getting it wet. Although the cast may feel dry on the outside after 24 hours, it typically takes about 48 hours or longer for a plaster cast to fully dry and harden. Showering with a plaster cast is not safe, as moisture could cause skin irritation or lead to the development of sores or infection.

C) "The client’s extremity should be elevated after the cast is applied.": Elevating the extremity after a cast is applied is a key teaching point to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. This is especially important during the first 24 to 48 hours after cast application. Elevation helps to prevent or manage swelling, which can be a common complication after an injury and cast application.

D) "The client should keep the cast covered until it is dry.": While it is important to keep a cast clean and dry during the drying process, the cast should not be covered with plastic or other materials that could trap moisture. The cast needs air circulation to dry properly, and covering it could lead to the cast becoming too moist, increasing the risk of skin issues or infection.