A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is 4 days postpartum and has endometritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate will be included in the plan of care?

Rationale:

A. Put a simple lock on the client's bedroom door: Locking the client's door could pose a safety risk, especially in the event of an emergency such as a fire. It also restricts the client's autonomy and may increase confusion or agitation in clients with Alzheimer's disease.

B. Give the client a barbiturate medication at bedtime: Barbiturates are not recommended for older adults due to their sedating effects and risk of dependence, falls, and worsening cognitive function. Non-pharmacologic strategies are preferred first in managing sleep disturbances.

C. Encourage the client to take frequent walks during the day: Physical activity during the day helps reduce nighttime restlessness and improve sleep patterns. Walking can also help regulate circadian rhythms, promote relaxation, and reduce wandering behavior at night.

D. Allow the client to nap for at least 1 hr during the day: Long daytime naps may disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, worsening insomnia and nighttime wandering. Limiting daytime napping and encouraging activity is more effective in promoting restful nighttime sleep.

Rationale:

A. The weights apply a pulling force continuously: Buck’s traction is a form of skin traction used to immobilize fractures and reduce muscle spasms. The weights must hang freely and provide a constant pulling force to maintain alignment and promote healing.

B. The boot allows active leg movement: In Buck’s traction, the affected leg should be immobilized. Active movement would interfere with the consistent traction force and compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.

C. The footplate rests against the foot of the bed: The client’s foot should not press against the bedframe or footplate, as this can counteract the traction force and cause improper alignment. There should be adequate space for traction to be effective.

D. The weights are just touching the floor: Weights should hang freely and never touch the floor. If they rest on the floor, the traction force is lost, defeating the purpose of the setup and potentially leading to complications.