While assessing a school-aged child who has just had a short arm cast applied to a fractured right wrist, the nurse discovers that the fingers of the right hand are cool. What should the nurse do first?

a. Compare the temperature of the two hands.
b. Clip the edge of the cast to reduce pressure.
c. Elevate the right arm to reduce the swelling.
d. Inform the healthcare provider of the circulatory impairment.