Meeting the developmental needs of a child in a body cast

Caring for a child in a body cast is difficult for most families and parents are concerned about the impact of a cast on their child’s normal growth and development. The lengthy time in the cast makes this concern very real. Yet there are activities parents can facilitate to promote development, and nurses need to be aware of the developmental needs of their young patients to provide appropriate suggestions. This article reviews normal developmental needs of young children in casts and provides suggestions for activities to meet these.