A nurse is caring for a client who had a spinal cord injury and has paraplegia. The client is alert and oriented.

The client is repositioned every 2 hr. Passive range-of-motion exercises to lower extremities are performed once each day.

On Day 5, the client’s feet are warm, pedal pulses are 2+ bilaterally, plantar flexion contractures are noted bilaterally, and the left heel has a 1.3 cm x 1.3 cm (0.5 in x 0.5 in) area of nonblanchable erythema, with skin intact.

Which findings require intervention by the nurse?

The correct answers are Choices A, B, and C.

Choice A rationale: Passive range-of-motion exercises should be performed more frequently than once each day to maintain joint mobility, prevent contractures, and stimulate circulation. Performing them only once daily is inadequate for a client with paraplegia who is immobile.

Choice B rationale: Nonblanchable erythema is a sign of a stage 1 pressure ulcer, indicating that the skin is at risk of further breakdown and infection. Immediate intervention is required to prevent progression to more severe pressure injuries.

Choice C rationale: Plantar flexion contractures can lead to significant long-term disability and complications, such as difficulty in ambulation and pain. These contractures require intervention through more frequent range-of-motion exercises, splinting, or physical therapy to prevent worsening.

Choice D rationale: Pedal pulses that are 2+ bilaterally are within normal limits and indicate adequate peripheral circulation. This finding does not require intervention.