A nurse is assisting with the care of a newly-admitted client who has acute osteomyelitis.

Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to implement?

Choice A reason:
Placing traction weights so they touch the head of the bed disrupts the effectiveness of the traction system. Skeletal traction relies on a continuous pulling force to maintain proper alignment of the fractured femur. If the weights are resting on any surface, the force is interrupted, which can lead to complications such as malunion or delayed healing. The weights must hang freely at all times to ensure therapeutic benefit.

Choice B reason:
Isometric exercises are beneficial for maintaining muscle tone and promoting circulation during immobilization. However, while this is a supportive intervention, it is not the most critical or immediate nursing action in the context of skeletal traction. Encouraging exercises every 8 hours is appropriate, but it does not directly address the most urgent or discomfort-related aspect of care.

Choice C reason:
Pin care is a routine but potentially painful procedure associated with skeletal traction. Administering pain medication beforehand is a priority nursing action because it ensures client comfort, reduces anxiety, and promotes cooperation during the procedure. This intervention reflects both compassionate care and adherence to best practices in pain management and infection prevention.

Choice D reason:
Repositioning a client in skeletal traction must be done with extreme caution to avoid disrupting the traction setup. Assisting the client to shift position every 4 hours may inadvertently alter the alignment or tension of the traction apparatus. While pressure injury prevention is important, repositioning must be coordinated carefully and is not the most appropriate standalone action in this context.

“Placenta.” The placenta is the structure that provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus and removes waste products from the fetus’s blood.
Choice A is incorrect because the umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta.
Choice C is incorrect because amniotic fluid provides a cushion for the fetus and helps maintain a constant temperature in the uterus but does not provide nutrition.
Choice D is incorrect because the decidua is the lining of the uterus during pregnancy and does not provide nutrition to the fetus.