When providing care for a client who has facial fractures, the nurse notices a strong mouth odor. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?

A. "I’ll apply ice to my ankle for 20 minutes every hour."

This is the correct choice. Applying ice for a specified duration (20 minutes) every hour is a standard recommendation for managing swelling and pain associated with an ankle sprain. It helps reduce inflammation and provides relief.

B. "I’ll rewrap my ankle starting from the knee down."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding. When rewrapping an ankle, it should be done from the bottom (proximal) to the top (distal) to provide proper compression. Starting from the knee down is not the correct technique.

C. "I’ll walk on my ankle for 10 minutes every hour."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding or potential for harm. Immediate weight-bearing or walking on an injured ankle, especially after a sprain, is generally not recommended. Rest is often a key component of initial management.

D. "I’ll put a heating pad on my ankle at bedtime tonight."

This statement may indicate a misunderstanding. Heat is not typically recommended in the initial stages of treating an acute injury like an ankle sprain, as it may increase inflammation. Ice (cold therapy) is usually the preferred modality early on to reduce swelling and pain.

A. Reduction of the fracture:

Buck's traction is not primarily intended for the reduction (realignment) of the fractured bones. While it may help maintain proper alignment, the primary goal is to provide temporary immobilization and relieve muscle spasms until more definitive treatment, such as surgery, can be performed.

B. Relief from muscle spasms:

This is the correct answer. Buck's traction is commonly used to alleviate muscle spasms associated with hip fractures. The traction force helps to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and maintain the alignment of the fractured bones.

C. Alignment of the pins:

Buck's traction does not involve the insertion of pins into the bone. It uses a boot attached to the leg, and the traction force is applied externally to the limb to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.

D. Support for moving the extremity:

Buck's traction is not intended to support active movement of the extremity. Instead, it provides temporary immobilization to prevent further injury and facilitate the healing process before more definitive interventions, such as surgery, are undertaken.