The nurse is collaborating with the physical therapist to coordinate care for a patient in skin traction. Which action demonstrates effective nursing collaboration?

Weakness in the unaffected leg may indicate nerve compression or impairment, which requires further assessment and intervention to prevent neurovascular complications.

a. Symmetrical pedal pulses bilaterally indicate adequate circulation to both legs and are a positive finding.

b. Capillary refill time less than 2 seconds indicates good peripheral perfusion and is a normal finding.

d. Tingling sensation in the toes may be expected with skin traction, but it does not necessarily indicate a complication unless it is accompanied by other neurovascular changes.

Asking the physical therapist for input on the patient's progress demonstrates effective nursing collaboration. The physical therapist's expertise is valuable in assessing the patient's response to range of motion exercises in traction.

a. Taking over the physical therapist's role in performing the exercises is not appropriate, as each healthcare professional has a specific scope of practice and should work collaboratively.

b. Informing the physical therapist that the exercises are unnecessary disregards the physical therapist's expertise and is not conducive to effective collaboration.

d. Disregarding the physical therapist's recommendations undermines the collaborative effort and diminishes the potential benefits of working together.