A nurse is caring for a client who has skeletal traction applied to the left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Removing the weights before changing the client's bed linens is not recommended. The weights are an integral part of the traction system and removing them could disrupt the traction, potentially causing harm or discomfort to the client. The weights must be maintained to ensure the effectiveness of the skeletal traction.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to use their elbows to reposition themselves could be helpful, but it is not the primary action the nurse should take. While maintaining some degree of mobility is important, the nurse must ensure that the traction setup is not disturbed during any movement.

Choice C reason: Checking pressure points every 12 hours is important to prevent skin breakdown and ulcers, especially in immobilized patients. However, this is a routine action and not specific to the care of a client with skeletal traction. The nurse should check pressure points more frequently, considering the increased risk of pressure sores in immobilized patients.

Choice D reason: Providing the client with a trapeze bar is the correct action. A trapeze bar allows the client to independently reposition themselves while maintaining the integrity of the traction. It helps the client to move and shift weight, which can aid in preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy. It also gives the client a sense of control and independence in their care.

Choice A reason: Aspirating the catheter to check for a brisk blood return is not typically recommended as a routine action when replacing the dressing of a PICC line used for TPN. This action is performed to verify patency and placement of the catheter, but it is not directly related to the dressing change procedure.

Choice B reason: Using sterile technique for the procedure is essential when replacing the dressing of a PICC line. Maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infection, as the PICC line provides direct access to the central venous system. The nurse should use sterile gloves and follow aseptic protocols to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens at the catheter insertion site.

Choice C reason: Cleansing the insertion site with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for PICC line care. Hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to the tissue and may delay healing. Instead, a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic is typically used to clean the skin around the insertion site during dressing changes to reduce microbial flora and prevent infection.

Choice D reason: Flushing the TPN port with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride is a practice used to maintain catheter patency, but it is not part of the dressing change procedure. Flushing is usually done before and after administering medication or nutrition, not specifically during a dressing change.