A Patient Hospitalized with Multiple Fractures Has a Long-Arm Plaster

A patient hospitalized with multiple fractures has a long-arm plaster cast applied for immobilization of a fractured left radius. Until the cast has completely dried, the nurse should

A) keep the left arm in a dependent position.
B) handle the cast with the palms of the hands.
C) place gauze around the cast edge to pad any roughness.
D) cover the cast with a small blanket to absorb the dampness.