A client is in skeletal traction. With the nurse's assessment, it is noted that the pins appear red, swollen, and there is purulent drainage. What action does the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Intermittent flatus and minor abdominal discomfort are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are common and expected after surgery and anesthesia. They indicate that the client's bowel function is returning to normal.

Choice B reason: A minor headache and taking an overthe counter pain pill at home are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are mild and manageable symptoms that may be related to stress, dehydration, or caffeine withdrawal. They do not indicate a serious complication or adverse reaction.

Choice C reason: Refusing pain medication and doing physical therapy are not signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of the client's preference and motivation to recover. They may also suggest that the client's pain is wellcontrolled or tolerable.

Choice D reason: Paresthesia in the fingers and intense increasing pain in the shoulder are signs that would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately. They are indicators of a possible nerve injury, compression, or ischemia that may result from the surgery, swelling, or hematoma. They may also indicate a worsening of the client's rheumatoid arthritis or a development of a complex regional pain syndrome. They require prompt assessment and intervention to prevent permanent damage or disability.

Choice A reason: Once the tissue has necrosed from high pressure, it does not regenerate is the best explanation, because it describes the mechanism and outcome of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve and the retina, the tissues that are responsible for transmitting and processing visual information. Once these tissues are necrosed, or dead, they do not regenerate, or grow back, resulting in irreversible vision loss.

Choice B reason: Glaucoma always leads to permanent blindness is not a good explanation, because it is inaccurate and pessimistic. Glaucoma does not always lead to permanent blindness, but rather to progressive vision loss that can be prevented or slowed down with early diagnosis and treatment. Glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or blind spots, but not necessarily complete blindness.

Choice C reason: Once retinal detachment occurs, it does not return to its normal state is not a good explanation, because it is irrelevant and misleading. Retinal detachment is a condition that occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layer of blood vessels, which can cause vision loss or blindness. However, retinal detachment is not caused by glaucoma, nor is it a common complication of glaucoma. Retinal detachment can sometimes be repaired with surgery, depending on the extent and duration of the detachment.

Choice D reason: Once bacterial infection has caused damage, the tissue does not regenerate is not a good explanation, because it is incorrect and confusing. Bacterial infection is not a cause or a consequence of glaucoma, but rather a separate condition that can affect the eye. Bacterial infection can cause inflammation, pain, discharge, or redness in the eye, but not necessarily vision loss or tissue necrosis. Bacterial infection can usually be treated with antibiotics, which can prevent or reverse the damage.