A client presents to a clinic complaining of a leg ulcer that isn't healing; subsequent diagnostic testing suggests osteomyelitis. The nurse is aware the most common pathogen to cause osteomyelitis is which pathogen?

Choice A reason: Scabies can be cured with prescription medications that kill the mites and their eggs, such as permethrin cream or ivermectin pills. Steroid cream may help to reduce the itching and inflammation, but it does not eliminate the infection.

Choice B reason: Treatment should start as soon as possible after the diagnosis of scabies, but there is no specific time limit of 72 hours. The sooner the treatment begins, the faster the symptoms will improve and the risk of transmission will decrease.

Choice C reason: Washing clothes, towels, and sheets in hot water is an important part of the education for a client with scabies, as it helps to get rid of any mites or eggs that may have been transferred to the fabrics. The items should also be dried in a hot dryer or sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.

Choice D reason: Reducing intake of refined sugar has no effect on the risk of scabies, as scabies is not caused by dietary factors, but by a parasitic infestation of the skin by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mite is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items with an infected person.

Choice E reason: Avoiding close contact with others until treated is another key part of the education for a client with scabies, as it helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other people. The client should also inform their household members, sexual partners, and close contacts, as they may need to be treated as well.

Choice A reason: Providing cast care to bilateral lower extremities is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is not relevant to the type of traction. Skeletal traction involves the insertion of pins, wires, or screws into the bone, and does not require a cast. Cast care is more applicable to clients in plaster or fiberglass casts.

Choice B reason: Instituting measures to prevent skin breakdown is an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is a potential complication of prolonged immobilization and pressure. The nurse should inspect the skin regularly, change the bed linens frequently, use pressure-relieving devices, and encourage the client to shift positions as much as possible.

Choice C reason: Cleaning the pins every hour with peroxide to prevent infection is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is excessive and harmful. The nurse should follow the facility's protocol for pin site care, which usually involves cleaning the pins once or twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or saline. Peroxide is not recommended, as it can damage the tissue and delay the healing.

Choice D reason: Placing the client on contact precautions is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is not indicated for this type of traction. Contact precautions are used for clients who have infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile. Skeletal traction does not pose a high risk of infection, unless there is a pin site infection or osteomyelitis.

Choice E reason: Maintaining proper alignment and position of the traction is an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is essential for the effectiveness and safety of the traction. The nurse should ensure that the traction is applied correctly, that the weights are hanging freely, that the ropes are not twisted or frayed, and that the pulleys are not obstructed. The nurse should also avoid lifting or moving the weights, as it can alter the traction force and cause complications.