(Select all that apply): A nurse is assessing a client with a suspected fracture.
Which clinical assessments are important in evaluating this client's condition? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Assessing the client's pain intensity is crucial when evaluating a client with a suspected fracture.

Pain assessment helps determine the severity of the injury, guides pain management interventions, and monitors the effectiveness of pain relief measures.

Assessing pain intensity is a standard practice in fracture evaluation.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring pulses in the affected limb is an important clinical assessment when evaluating a client with a suspected fracture.

A decrease or absence of pulses in the affected limb can indicate vascular compromise or arterial injury, which is a critical complication of fractures.

This assessment helps in early detection of circulatory problems and guides immediate interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Checking for changes in skin color around the fracture is a valuable assessment because it can indicate compromised blood flow or nerve injury.

Pale or cyanotic skin may suggest poor circulation, while redness may be a sign of inflammation.

Monitoring skin color helps identify potential complications associated with the fracture.

Choice D rationale:

Asking about the client's dietary habits is not directly relevant to the evaluation of a suspected fracture.

While nutrition is important for overall health and healing, dietary habits do not provide immediate information about the client's current condition or the nature of the fracture.

Choice E rationale:

Evaluating the client's psychological state is important for holistic care but may not be a primary assessment when evaluating a suspected fracture.

The priority in this context is to assess physical signs and symptoms related to the fracture and any potential complications.

Choice A rationale:

Administering antibiotics to prevent infection is an important intervention for clients with open fractures to reduce the risk of infection.

However, in a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain, the immediate priority should be to address their pain and provide analgesics (Choice B) to alleviate suffering and improve comfort.

Infection prevention measures can be implemented once pain management is initiated.

Choice B rationale:

Providing analgesics as prescribed is the most appropriate intervention for a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain.

Open fractures are associated with significant pain due to the exposure of bone and soft tissues, and effective pain management is essential for the client's comfort and well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Applying a warm compress to the affected area may provide some comfort but is not the primary intervention for pain management in a client with an open fracture.

The priority should be to administer analgesics and provide appropriate wound care.

Choice D rationale:

Initiating physical therapy immediately is not the immediate priority for a client with an open fracture complaining of intense pain.

Physical therapy typically follows fracture stabilization, wound management, and pain control.

It is essential to address the client's pain and wound care needs first.