Julia, a 35 year-old female, fractured her right tibia and fibula in a skiing accident. A long leg cast, made of plaster of Paris, is being placed on her leg to reduce and immobilize the fracture. Julia is admitted to the orthopedic nursing unit where you are assigned to be her nurse.Answer the following questions 

1. The newly applied cast is still damp. What precautions should be taken while the cast continues to dry? How long will it take for the cast to dry completely?(5mks)

2.Julia complains about the cast feeling “hot.” How should you respond to Rukia’s concern?(2mks)

3.What nursing assessments are particularly important during the first 24–48 hours following the application of the cast?(3mks)

4.8 hours after the cast application Rukia complains of increasing pain in her right leg. As you assess her right extremity, you note her right toes are pale and cool to your touch, while her left toes are warm and pink. When you passively flex her right toes, she winces in pain. From these assessment findings, what do you suspect is the problem and what should you do to intervene, if anything?(3mks)

5. Julia continues to recover and is to be discharged home with another long leg cast on her right leg. What priority discharge instructions should Julia be given about cast care?(6mks)