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: Fat embolism is not a likely complication of a leg cast, but a possible complication of a long bone fracture or a joint replacement surgery. It refers to the obstruction of the blood vessels by fat globules that are released from the bone marrow or adipose tissue. It can cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, or skin petechiae.

Choice B reason: Subcutaneous emphysema is not a common complication of a leg cast, but a rare complication of a chest trauma or a lung disease. It refers to the presence of air or gas in the subcutaneous tissue, which can cause swelling, crepitus, or pain in the affected area.

Choice C reason: Disuse syndrome is not an acute complication of a leg cast, but a chronic complication of prolonged immobility or inactivity. It refers to the deterioration of the body systems due to the lack of physical stimulation. It can cause muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, osteoporosis, or metabolic changes.

Choice D reason: Compartment syndrome is the most likely complication of a leg cast, as it indicates the increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the leg due to the swelling, bleeding, or inflammation. It can cause severe pain, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis, or pulselessness of the affected limb. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent tissue necrosis or limb loss.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not a correct choice, as there is one option that matches the complication of a leg cast.

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.