A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pins appear red, swollen, and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Allowing the client to sleep to build up stamina is not the priority intervention, because it does not address the psychosocial needs of the client. Sleeping is a physiological need, not a psychosocial need. Sleeping may help the client recover physically, but it does not help the client cope emotionally or socially with the isolation.

Choice B reason: Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client is not the priority intervention, because it does not enhance the psychosocial needs of the client. Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client is a safety measure, not a psychosocial intervention. Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client may help prevent the transmission of infection, but it does not help the client feel less lonely or isolated.

Choice C reason: Providing a timeframe for the isolation is not the priority intervention, because it does not enhance the psychosocial needs of the client. Providing a timeframe for the isolation is an informational intervention, not a psychosocial intervention. Providing a timeframe for the isolation may help the client understand the rationale and duration of the precautions, but it does not help the client feel more engaged or supported.

Choice D reason: Providing the client with diversional activities is the priority intervention, because it enhances the psychosocial needs of the client. Providing the client with diversional activities is a psychosocial intervention, not a physiological, safety, or informational intervention. Providing the client with diversional activities may help the client feel more entertained, stimulated, and connected with others, which can reduce the negative effects of isolation.

Choice A reason: Removing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care since it has not occurred is not a good action, because it does not account for the possibility of future impairment. The client is still at risk for impaired skin integrity due to the prolonged bed rest, and the nurse should continue to monitor and prevent any skin breakdown.

Choice B reason: Keeping the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care the same since the risk factors are still present is the best action, because it reflects the current situation and the potential problem. The client has not developed impaired skin integrity, but the risk factors have not changed. The nurse should maintain the interventions that have been effective in preventing skin impairment, such as turning, repositioning, moisturizing, and inspecting the skin.

Choice C reason: Modifying the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired skin integrity is not a good action, because it does not match the data. The client has not shown any signs of impaired skin integrity, such as redness, blanching, breakdown, or ulceration. The nurse should not change the diagnosis based on assumptions or predictions, but on evidence.

Choice D reason: Changing the nursing diagnosis in the plan of care to impaired mobility is not a good action, because it does not address the original problem. The client may have impaired mobility due to the bed rest, but that is not the focus of the question. The question is about the risk for impaired skin integrity, which is a different issue that requires different interventions. The nurse should not ignore or replace the existing diagnosis without justification.