A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dysphagia and left-sided weakness following a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Check that the client lifts the walker and then places it down in front of her.

To ensure proper use of a standard walker and the safety of the client, the nurse should check that the client lifts the walker and then places it down in front of her. This sequence of lifting and moving the walker forward provides stability and support during ambulation.

B. Walk in front of the client to guide her in moving the walker.

The nurse should walk beside or slightly behind the client to provide support and supervision. Walking in front may hinder the client's ability to maneuver the walker.

C. Have the client move one leg forward with the walker.

The proper technique is for the client to move the walker forward and then step into it with the affected leg. Moving one leg forward with the walker may compromise stability.

D. Make sure that the upper bar of the walker is level with the client’s waist.

The correct height of the walker is essential for proper use. The walker should be adjusted to the client's height, with the top bar at the level of the client's wrists when their arms are at their sides, not at the waist.

A. "Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction."

This statement is not accurate. Both skeletal and skin traction carry some risk of infection, but the risk factors and considerations are different for each. Skeletal traction involves pins or wires directly inserted into the bone, and while the risk of infection is present, it is not necessarily lower than that of skin traction.

B. "Clients in skin traction have more mobility than those in skeletal traction."

This statement is not accurate. Skeletal traction, involving the use of weights and pins or wires inserted into the bone, tends to provide more stable immobilization. Skin traction, which relies on external devices applied to the skin's surface, may allow for some limited mobility but is generally not as effective as skeletal traction.

C. "Skeletal traction is better than skin traction for reducing a fracture."

This is the correct statement. Skeletal traction is often more effective in providing a stable and controlled environment for reducing and immobilizing fractures.

D. "Clients in skin traction have more discomfort than those in skeletal traction."

This statement is not necessarily accurate. Discomfort can vary depending on the individual, the type of fracture, and other factors. Both skeletal and skin traction may cause some discomfort, and it's important to assess and manage the client's pain appropriately in either case.