To prevent shoulder stiffness in a client with a left arm cast, which suggestion should be included in teaching?

To prevent shoulder stiffness in a client with a left arm cast, which suggestion should be included in teaching?

• A. Lift the left arm up over the head.
• B. Keep the left arm in a sling at all times.
• C. Avoid movement of the shoulder entirely.
• D. Massage the left shoulder daily.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining shoulder movement is essential to prevent stiffness when a cast is on the arm. Lifting the arm up over the head encourages shoulder flexion and keeps the joint and surrounding muscles flexible, as long as it's safe and allowed by the clinician. Keeping the arm in a sling all the time or avoiding movement entirely would promote stiffness, and while massage can help with circulation, it doesn’t keep the shoulder moving within the cast. So, gentle, permitted range-of-motion like overhead lifting helps preserve mobility while the arm heals.

Maintaining shoulder movement is essential to prevent stiffness when a cast is on the arm. Lifting the arm up over the head encourages shoulder flexion and keeps the joint and surrounding muscles flexible, as long as it's safe and allowed by the clinician. Keeping the arm in a sling all the time or avoiding movement entirely would promote stiffness, and while massage can help with circulation, it doesn’t keep the shoulder moving within the cast. So, gentle, permitted range-of-motion like overhead lifting helps preserve mobility while the arm heals.