NCLEX-RN Question #417: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is D. 24-72 hours. (A) Synthetic cast materials harden in 3-15 minutes. Weight bearing is permitted in 15-30 minutes. Drying time for plaster of Paris is about 24-72 hours. (B, C) Plaster of Paris cast materials are heavier than synthetic materials and require a drying time of 24-72 hours. Syntheti

Question

When giving discharge instructions to a 24-year-old client who had a short-arm cast applied for a fractured right ulna, the nurse recognizes the importance of telling him that the drying time for a plaster of Paris cast is approximately:

Options

A30 minutes
B1-4 hours
C12-24 hours
D24-72 hours

Explanation

(A) Synthetic cast materials harden in 3-15 minutes. Weight bearing is permitted in 15-30 minutes. Drying time for plaster of Paris is about 24-72 hours. (B, C) Plaster of Paris cast materials are heavier than synthetic materials and require a drying time of 24-72 hours. Synthetic materials dry within 30 minutes. (D) Plaster of Paris cast materials are heavier thansynthetic materials and require a longer period to set and dry. Even though setting time (hardening) is only 3-15 minutes, the drying time for plaster of Paris is 24-72 hours. This depends on the size and thickness of the cast, exposure to air, and humidity in the air.

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