Which instructions would be included on the list? A nurse prepares a list of home care instructions for the parents of a child who has a plaster cast applied to the left forearm.

Keep small toys and sharp objects away from the cast.
Contact the health care provider if the child complains of numbness or tingling in the extremity.
Elevate the extremity on pillows for the first 24 to 48 hours after casting to prevent swelling.

While the cast is drying. the palms of the hands are used to lift the cast. If the fingertips are used. indentations in the cast could occur and cause constant pressure on the underlying skin. Small toys and sharp objects are kept away from the cast. and no objects (including padded objects) are placed inside of the cast because of the risk of altered skin integrity. A heating pad is not applied to the cast or fingers. Cold fingers could indicate neurovascular impairment. and the HCP should be notified. The extremity is elevated to prevent swelling. and the HCP is notified immediately if any signs of neurovascular impairment develop.