What should a nurse do if a client is experiencing skin irritation from a cast?

When a client is experiencing skin irritation from a cast, the appropriate action is to pat the cast edges with adhesive tape. This strategy helps create a smoother edge, which can reduce friction and irritation against the skin. The tape acts as a barrier, preventing further rubbing that could exacerbate the skin condition.

Other options would not effectively address the problem. Completely removing the cast without medical guidance could compromise the healing process of the underlying injury or fracture. Applying ice directly to the skin can lead to further irritation and may not be advisable; ice should not come into direct contact with the cast material and may cause moisture accumulation, which can worsen skin irritation. Increasing the wearing time of the cast does not resolve irritation and could lead to further discomfort and potential skin breakdown.

Thus, using adhesive tape to protect the edges of the cast is the most effective and appropriate intervention for managing skin irritation in this scenario.