A nurse is caring for a client who has partial-thickness burns on 50% of his body and is receiving total parenteral nutrition. The nurse should actively monitor the client for which of the following?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Applying traction weight to the external fixator is not recommended, as it can cause excessive stress on the pins and wires, leading to complications such as infection, loosening, or breakage1.Traction is usually applied to skeletal pins that are inserted into the bone without an external frame2.

Choice B rationale: Monitoring the neurovascular status of the affected limb is important, but every 8 hours is not frequent enough.The nurse should perform neurovascular checks every 2 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 4 to 8 hours, according to the facility policy3. This is to assess for signs of nerve damage, compartment syndrome, or impaired circulation, which can result from the injury or the device.

Choice C rationale: Administering pain medication 30 min prior to pin care is a correct intervention, as it can help reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure. Pin care involves cleaning the pin sites with an antiseptic solution and applying sterile dressings to prevent infection and promote healing. The frequency and technique of pin care may vary depending on the type of device, the condition of the wound, and the facility protocol.

Choice D rationale: Adjusting the clamps on the device’s frame daily is not a nursing intervention, as it can alter the alignment and stability of the fracture. The clamps should be tightened only by the orthopedic surgeon or a trained technician, and only when necessary. The nurse should inspect the device for any loose or broken parts and report any problems to the surgeon.

So, the correct answer is Choice C, after analysing all choices.

knee-chest. During sigmoidoscopy, the client should lie on their left side with their right knee flexed slightly. The nurse should then position the client in the knee-chest (Sims) position, where the client leans forward with bent knees and support the chest and forearms on the table or a pillow. This allows better visualization and access to the rectal area for the sigmoidoscopy procedure.

An explanation for incorrect choices:

A. Orthopneic position is upright sitting with arms and elbows resting on a table or on a pillow, which helps clients who have difficulty breathing; it is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.

B. Trendelenburg position

is supine with the head lower than the feet, which can cause blood flow to the head and increased intracranial pressure; it is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.

C. Prone position is lying face down, which is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.