Before discharging a patient with a plaster cast, what does the nurse assess?

The correct choice is focused on the importance of ensuring that the cast is dry and free of cracks before discharge. A plaster cast needs to be completely dry to ensure that it has set properly and can provide the necessary support and immobilization for the healing of the bone or soft tissue beneath it. If the cast is not dry, it could lead to structural weakness, which may compromise the stability of the fracture site and could potentially lead to complications such as re-injury or improper healing.

Assessing for cracks is also crucial, as any cracks can indicate that the integrity of the cast has been compromised, which might affect the healing process. A dry and intact cast contributes significantly to both the effectiveness of the treatment and the safety of the patient during their recovery.

While factors like the warmth of the cast and the ability of the patient to move their fingers can also be indicators of circulation and nerve function, they do not relate directly to the structural integrity of the cast itself, which is paramount for successful immobilization. A flexible cast is inappropriate since a cast is meant to be rigid to provide effective support.