The nursing care plan for a 2-month-old infant in a left hip spica cast includes what nursing measures?
1. Palpating the left brachial artery and comparing it with the right
2. Checking cast for tightness by inserting fingers between skin and cast
3. Assessing for blanching of the skin in areas proximal to the casted left leg
4. Maintaining constant traction on the affected left leg
Answer: 2
A hip spica cast is used for the treatment of congenital hip dysplasia. Check the cast to make sure it is not too tight and constricting circulation by inserting a finger between the skin and cast. The child is not in traction with a hip spica cast and the arms are not being treated. The circulation is checked distal to the cast not proximal. (Hockenberry, Wilson, 9 ed p. 423).