A school-age child with a supracondylar fracture of the humerus has been placed in a partial cast with the elbow region wrapped with an elastic bandage. What should the nurse explain to the parents and child regarding the reason for this type of casting approach?

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With an elbow fracture, the arm will be flexed and put into a cast. In this position, the radial artery and nerve can be compressed at the elbow, causing nerve injury or severe impairment of circulation. In some situations, a cast is applied incompletely for 24 hours, the elbow portion being splinted and wrapped with elastic bandages. After 24 hours, when edema has subsided and the chance of compression is less, the rest of the arm is then casted. The use of an elastic wrap at the elbow is not used to encourage healing, keep the bones in alignment, or provide additional stability.

A School-Age Child with a Supracondylar Fracture of the Humerus