A nurse is collaborating with social services in the discharge planning for a young adult client who is below the poverty income level and will require home V therapy. Which of the following resources should the nurse recommend? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale:

A. Place the oxygen tank away from curtains or drapes: Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks must be kept away from flammable materials such as curtains or drapes. This placement reduces fire risk and ensures safe home oxygen use.

B. Store the oxygen tank wrench in a locked cabinet: The tank wrench should remain attached to or easily accessible near the tank for emergency shut-off. Locking it away could delay quick responses during equipment malfunction or fire hazards.

C. Ensure that the client checks the gauge weekly: Oxygen tank levels should be checked daily to prevent running out unexpectedly. Waiting a week between checks increases the risk of the tank depleting before a refill is arranged.

D. Have the client store smaller tanks under his bed: Storing tanks under the bed poses a fire hazard due to limited ventilation and proximity to bedding. Oxygen tanks should be stored upright in a secure, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Compartment syndrome: The client shows hallmark signs: pain unrelieved by medication (rated 9/10), cool foot, 2+ edema, numbness, absent pedal pulses, delayed capillary refill, and inability to move the foot. These findings indicate increased pressure within a muscle compartment that compromises circulation and nerve function, requiring emergency intervention to prevent tissue necrosis or amputation.
• Osteomyelitis: A rapidly rising temperature (up to 38.9°C), elevated WBC count (28,000/mm³), and presence of drainage from the splint site suggest a localized bone infection. Osteomyelitis can develop from an open fracture, especially post-surgery, and early detection is critical for avoiding systemic infection or bone destruction.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): While immobilization increases DVT risk, the scenario lacks classic signs like unilateral calf swelling, warmth, erythema, or a positive Homan's sign. Additionally, pulses are absent in the foot, not consistent with a DVT presentation, which typically does not affect distal pulses.
• Fat embolism: The client does not exhibit hallmark signs such as acute respiratory distress, petechial rash, or altered mental status. Although long bone fractures pose a fat embolism risk, no findings suggest embolic movement or pulmonary compromise in this case.