Question

A 6 month-old infant who is being treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip has been placed in a hip spica cast. The nurse should teach the parents to

A) Gently rub the skin with a cotton swab to relieve itching
B) Place the favorite books and push-pull toys in the crib
C) To check every few hours for the next day or 2 for swelling in the baby's feet
D) Turn the baby with the abduction stabilizer bar every 2 hours

Answer 1

Parents of an infant with a hip spica cast should be taught to frequently check for swelling in the baby's feet to prevent circulatory complications, rather than turning the baby every 2 hours or rubbing the skin with a cotton swab.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the student's question about caring for an infant with a hip spica cast, a nurse should teach the parents to check every few hours for the next day or two for swelling in the baby's feet. This is important for early detection of potential circulation issues, which can be a complication of the hip spica cast. Gently rubbing the skin with a cotton swab is not recommended due to the risk of causing sores or infection under the cast. Placing favorite books and toys in the crib can be useful, but not specifically related to the care of the hip spica cast. Turning the baby should be done cautiously, preferably as instructed by healthcare professionals, but not necessarily with a frequency of every 2 hours, and not by lifting the baby by the abduction stabilizer bar.