A nurse is caring for a client who is in skin traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:
Installing locks at the top of doors can be a safety measure to prevent wandering, which is a common and dangerous behavior in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Placing locks out of the usual line of sight can help deter the individual from leaving the house unsupervised and potentially getting lost.

Choice B Reason:
Leaving the television on is not necessarily a beneficial environmental modification. While some programs may be comforting or provide a sense of company, the noise and activity can also be confusing or overstimulating for a person with Alzheimer's disease. It's important to monitor the individual's response to television and adjust accordingly.

Choice C Reason:
Placing throw rugs on the floor is generally not recommended because they can be a tripping hazard. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have impaired mobility or balance, and throw rugs increase the risk of falls. It's better to have clear, unobstructed pathways.

Choice D Reason:
Scheduling alternate caregivers can provide necessary respite for primary caregivers and ensure that the individual with Alzheimer's disease has continuous supervision. However, it's important to maintain consistency with caregivers when possible, as frequent changes can be confusing and distressing for the individual.

Choice A Reason:
Ensuring that the weights hang freely from the bed is crucial in skin traction. The weights provide a constant and steady force necessary to achieve the therapeutic goal of traction, which is to align and stabilize a fractured bone. If the weights touch the floor or are obstructed, the traction will not be effective, potentially compromising the healing process.

Choice B Reason:
Inspecting the client's skin every 12 hours for signs of breakdown is important but not the highest priority. Skin breakdown can occur due to prolonged pressure from the traction equipment. Regular inspection helps in early identification and management of any skin issues, thus preventing complications such as infections or ulcers.

Choice C Reason:
Loosening the ropes of the pulleys when repositioning the client in bed is incorrect. The ropes should remain taut to maintain the correct amount of force on the affected limb. Loosening the ropes could disrupt the alignment and effectiveness of the traction, leading to inadequate treatment or further injury.

Choice D Reason:
Maintaining a specific weight for skin traction, such as 6.8 kg (15 lb), is a prescribed action based on the client's condition and the physician's orders. However, the exact weight to be used is determined by the healthcare provider and may vary from case to case. The nurse's role is to ensure that the prescribed weight is accurately maintained.