What negative outcome should a nurse monitor for in a client who has just had a plaster cast applied on a limb?

When a plaster cast is applied, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor for decreased circulation to the extremity. This is because casts can exert pressure on the surrounding tissues, which can lead to complications such as compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling or bleeding within a compartment of the limb increases pressure and compromises blood flow to the muscles and nerves.

Signs of decreased circulation may include changes in skin color (cyanosis), temperature (coldness), sensation (numbness or tingling), and the presence of a weak or absent pulse in the extremity. Monitoring for these signs is critical, as early identification and intervention can prevent permanent damage to the limb.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not address the most immediate concern after cast application. Increased mobility and improved range of motion would be inappropriate outcomes to expect immediately after casting, as the purpose of the cast is to immobilize the limb for healing. Signs of infection might also be monitored, but they are not an immediate risk following the application of a cast in a well-performed procedure. Thus, the most relevant negative outcome to monitor for is decreased circulation to the extremity.