A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic tophaceous gout about his new prescription for allopurinol. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to reduce blood levels of which of the following substances?

Choice A reason: Buck’s traction does not maintain pin alignment, as it’s a skin traction method using weights and pulleys, not skeletal pins. It’s applied preoperatively for hip fractures to stabilize the limb. Expecting pin alignment misguides teaching, confusing Buck’s traction with skeletal traction, potentially causing patient misunderstanding of the procedure’s purpose.

Choice B reason: Buck’s traction does not reduce the fracture (realign bone ends), which requires surgical or manual reduction. It stabilizes the hip, relieving spasms and pain preoperatively. Assuming reduction misleads the patient, risking unrealistic expectations and overlooking Buck’s role in muscle relaxation and temporary immobilization for intracapsular fractures.

Choice C reason: Buck’s traction restricts movement to stabilize the hip, not allow supported movement. Movement could worsen fracture displacement or pain. Expecting movement misinforms the patient, potentially leading to improper use of traction, increasing complications like malunion or muscle spasms in the fractured hip.

Choice D reason: Buck’s extension traction relieves muscle spasms in intracapsular hip fractures by applying gentle, continuous pull to align the limb and reduce muscle contraction around the fracture site. This decreases pain and stabilizes the hip preoperatively, preventing further displacement. Accurate teaching ensures patient understanding, promoting compliance and effective preoperative management.

Choice A reason: Tennis involves high-impact movements, twisting, and sudden directional changes, which stress the lumbar spine and exacerbate low back pain. These actions increase pressure on intervertebral discs and strain paraspinal muscles, risking further injury. For clients with back pain, low-impact exercises are preferred to avoid aggravating the condition.

Choice B reason: Swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise that strengthens core and back muscles without stressing the spine. Buoyancy in water reduces gravitational load on vertebrae, minimizing disc compression. Freestyle or backstroke promotes spinal alignment and flexibility, making it an ideal recommendation for managing low back pain safely and effectively.

Choice C reason: Rowing involves repetitive forward flexion and rotation, which can strain lumbar muscles and compress spinal discs, worsening low back pain. The seated position and pulling motion increase intradiscal pressure, risking injury. This high-intensity activity is not suitable for clients seeking back pain relief through exercise.

Choice D reason: Canoeing requires prolonged sitting and repetitive twisting, which stress the lower back. The forward paddling motion increases lumbar flexion, straining muscles and discs. This activity is not recommended, as it can exacerbate pain and lacks the supportive, low-impact qualities needed for safe back pain management.