What nursing intervention is essential to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers in a patient with a long-term immobilization due to a fracture?

An avulsion fracture occurs when a piece of bone is torn away by a ligament or tendon, often due to a sudden and forceful contraction of the muscle.

a. Greenstick fracture: A greenstick fracture involves the bone bending and partially breaking, not being torn away by a ligament or tendon.
b. Transverse fracture: A transverse fracture occurs when the bone breaks straight across its long axis, not due to ligament or tendon forces.
d. Impacted fracture: An impacted fracture occurs when the bone fragments are driven into each other, often seen in a fall or compression injury, not involving ligament or tendon tears.

The patient should be instructed not to cover the cast with plastic when bathing or swimming, as moisture can weaken the cast and increase the risk of skin irritation and infection. The cast should be kept dry to maintain its structural integrity.

b. Applying heat directly to the cast to speed up drying is not recommended, as excessive heat can lead to discomfort and skin irritation. The cast should be air-dried or gently patted dry with a towel.
c. Using cotton swabs to clean the skin under the cast can introduce fibers into the cast and potentially irritate the skin. The nurse should advise the patient not to insert anything under the cast.
d. Keeping the cast exposed to air for long periods may lead to dirt and debris getting trapped in the cast and increasing the risk of infection. The patient should be cautious and avoid exposing the cast to dirt and contaminants.