When caring for a client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia, what is the priority action?

Performing a neurovascular assessment is a crucial priority action when caring for a client with a newly applied fiberglass cast, particularly for a fractured tibia. This assessment is vital in monitoring for any signs of complications such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation caused by the cast.

Immediately after cast application, it is essential to ensure that the client's extremity is receiving appropriate blood flow and that nerve function is intact. This involves checking for sensation, movement, capillary refill time, and pulse in the affected limb. Any significant changes in these parameters indicate potential issues that need to be addressed promptly to avoid severe complications.

Ongoing neurovascular assessments allow healthcare providers to recognize problems early, facilitating timely interventions that reduce the risk of long-term damage to the limb. Since the cast can cause increased pressure around the fracture site, vigilance in monitoring neurovascular status helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of the client. Other actions, while important, do not take precedence immediately after the application of a cast as ensuring proper circulation and nerve function is critical right away.