A nurse is caring for a client who has a fractured hip and is in Buck's traction prior to surgical repair. What should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Corticosteroids are not a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. They are anti-inflammatory drugs that may be used for chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or allergies, but they have side effects such as weakening the immune system, increasing the risk of infection, and delaying wound healing.

Choice B reason: Resting the affected extremity is a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. It helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, and to prevent further injury or damage to the tissues.

Choice C reason: Applying ice is a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains, but only for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. It helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels and decreasing the blood flow to the injured area. After 48 hours, heat may be applied to increase the blood flow and promote healing.

Choice D reason: Massage is not a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. It may be beneficial for some chronic musculoskeletal conditions, but it should be avoided for acute injuries as it may increase the pain, swelling, and inflammation by stimulating the blood flow and aggravating the damaged tissues.

Choice E reason: Compression dressings are a common treatment modality for contusions, strains, or sprains. They help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by applying pressure to the injured area and limiting the movement of the tissues. They also provide support and stability to the affected extremity.

Choice A reason: Transferring from sitting to standing position is not a high-risk activity for hip dislocation, as long as the client follows the proper precautions, such as keeping the operated leg slightly forward, using a chair with armrests, and avoiding twisting or pivoting the hip.

Choice B reason: Straining during a bowel movement is not a direct risk factor for hip dislocation, but it may cause constipation, which is a common problem after surgery. The nurse should educate the client on the importance of adequate hydration, fiber intake, and stool softeners to prevent constipation and reduce the need for straining.

Choice C reason: Bending down to put socks on is a risky activity for hip dislocation, as it violates the hip precautions of avoiding flexing the hip more than 90 degrees, adducting the hip, or internally rotating the hip. The nurse should instruct the client to use assistive devices, such as a sock aid or a long-handled reacher, to put on socks or shoes without bending the hip.

Choice D reason: Turning in bed with an abductor pillow in place is a safe activity for hip dislocation, as the abductor pillow helps to maintain the alignment and stability of the hip joint. The nurse should teach the client to use the abductor pillow while in bed for the first few weeks after surgery, and to turn from side to side with the assistance of a caregiver.

Choice E reason: Crossing the legs or ankles is a dangerous activity for hip dislocation, as it causes the hip to move out of its normal position. The nurse should remind the client to keep the legs apart at all times, and to use a pillow or a wedge between the legs when lying on the side.