A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a sequential compression device (SCD). Which of the following actions should the nurse take when applying the SCD?

A. Unscrew the pins to cleanse the pin sites: Unscrewing the pins is incorrect as it can compromise the stability of the traction and increase the risk of infection. Pin site care should be performed according to the facility's protocol without disturbing the pins.
B. Remove the weights while turning the client in bed: Removing weights is incorrect as it can disrupt the alignment and effectiveness of the traction. Weights should be left in place to maintain proper traction and alignment.
C. Loosen the rope knots holding the weights for 30 min if the client reports pain: Loosening the rope knots is inappropriate and can interfere with the traction's effectiveness. Pain management should involve assessing the client's comfort and reviewing the traction setup, but not altering the traction itself.
D. Ensure that there is at least 4.5 kg (10 lb) of weight applied to the client's traction: This is correct as maintaining the appropriate amount of weight is crucial for proper skeletal traction. Ensuring that the prescribed weight is applied helps in achieving the desired therapeutic effect.

A. Perform immediate defibrillation: This is necessary for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse if it is unstable, but first, assess the client’s condition.
B. Provide pulmonary ventilation: This may be required depending on the client's breathing status but is secondary to assessing the pulse.
C. Determine palpable pulse: This is the priority action. Determining whether the client has a pulse helps guide the next steps—if the client has a pulse but is symptomatic, treatment will differ from if the client is pulseless.
D. Begin chest compressions: This is done if the client is pulseless. If there is a pulse, other interventions are needed first.