The registered nurse is planning the client assignments for the day. What is the most appropriate assignment for Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?

Choice A reason: Providing cast care to bilateral lower extremities is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is not relevant to the type of traction. Skeletal traction involves the insertion of pins, wires, or screws into the bone, and does not require a cast. Cast care is more applicable to clients in plaster or fiberglass casts.

Choice B reason: Instituting measures to prevent skin breakdown is an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is a potential complication of prolonged immobilization and pressure. The nurse should inspect the skin regularly, change the bed linens frequently, use pressure-relieving devices, and encourage the client to shift positions as much as possible.

Choice C reason: Cleaning the pins every hour with peroxide to prevent infection is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is excessive and harmful. The nurse should follow the facility's protocol for pin site care, which usually involves cleaning the pins once or twice a day with a mild antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or saline. Peroxide is not recommended, as it can damage the tissue and delay the healing.

Choice D reason: Placing the client on contact precautions is not an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is not indicated for this type of traction. Contact precautions are used for clients who have infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile. Skeletal traction does not pose a high risk of infection, unless there is a pin site infection or osteomyelitis.

Choice E reason: Maintaining proper alignment and position of the traction is an action that would be included in the nurse's plan of care for a client in skeletal traction, as it is essential for the effectiveness and safety of the traction. The nurse should ensure that the traction is applied correctly, that the weights are hanging freely, that the ropes are not twisted or frayed, and that the pulleys are not obstructed. The nurse should also avoid lifting or moving the weights, as it can alter the traction force and cause complications.

Choice A reason: Pain management is an important goal for a client with osteoarthritis, but it is not the only one. The question asks for what goals the nurse should include, not what is the most essential or urgent goal.

Choice B reason: Improvement of joint mobility is a correct goal for a client with osteoarthritis, as it helps to prevent stiffness, contractures, and deformities of the affected joints. It also improves the client's function, quality of life, and independence.

Choice C reason: Client will recover from osteoarthritis within 6 months is not a realistic or attainable goal, as osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive condition that has no cure. The nurse should focus on managing the symptoms and preventing complications, not on curing the disease.

Choice D reason: Weight loss promotion is a relevant goal for a client with osteoarthritis, especially if the client is obese, as it helps to reduce the stress and pressure on the weight-bearing joints. However, it is not a specific or measurable goal, as it does not indicate how much weight the client should lose or how the nurse will monitor the progress.

Choice E reason: The client will deny symptoms of osteoarthritis is not a desirable or appropriate goal, as it implies that the client is not honest or aware of their condition. The nurse should encourage the client to report any symptoms or changes in their joints, as it helps to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to adjust the plan of care accordingly.