A client with a fractured femur is placed in Buck's traction to immobilize the fracture. When transporting this client to another room, how should the practical nurse (PN) handle the traction?

Choice A reason: While monitoring serum electrolytes is important, especially if the client is experiencing side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is not the priority follow-up assessment. Chemotherapy can impact electrolytes, but blood cell counts are a more immediate concern.
Choice B reason: Assessing nutritional status is important for overall health and recovery, but it is not the most critical follow-up assessment. Nutritional assessments can be addressed once more urgent concerns, such as blood cell counts, are evaluated.
Choice C reason: Hydration status is important, particularly if the client is experiencing side effects that lead to dehydration. However, hydration can usually be managed once the more critical assessment of blood cell counts has been completed.
Choice D reason: Blood cell counts are the priority follow-up assessment for a client who received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can significantly impact the production of blood cells, leading to conditions such as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. Monitoring blood cell counts helps to identify these complications early and allows for appropriate interventions to be initiated.

Choice A reason: Commending the client for ensuring an adequate source of vitamin C in the diet is not the best response. While vitamin C is important for overall health, it does not directly impact bone density. The client's focus on orange juice may stem from a misunderstanding of the nutrients that are critical for bone health, such as calcium and vitamin D. A better approach would be to address the specific nutrients that support bone density and clarify any misconceptions.
Choice B reason: Advising the client of the need to remain NPO (nothing by mouth) until the test is completed is not necessary for a bone density test. Bone density tests, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, do not require the client to fast beforehand. Providing this advice would be incorrect and could cause unnecessary concern or confusion for the client.
Choice C reason: Determining if the client drinks orange juice that has been fortified with calcium is a helpful step, but it does not address the immediate need to correct the client's misunderstanding about the purpose of the bone density test. While calcium-fortified orange juice can be beneficial for bone health, the priority should be to ensure the client has accurate information about the test they are undergoing.
Choice D reason: Correcting the client's misunderstanding of the purpose of bone density testing is the most appropriate response. The primary goal of a bone density test is to measure the density of the bones and assess the risk of fractures, not to diagnose or confirm the presence of osteoporosis. By providing clear and accurate information about the test, the practical nurse can help the client understand its purpose and alleviate any misconceptions. This response also opens the door for further education on managing osteoporosis and ensuring the client is receiving the necessary nutrients for bone health.