A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has a fracture to achieve the outcome of functional healing. To assist in meeting this goal, which of the following nursing interventions is the highest priority?

D. Fractures, crush injuries, or tight casts can lead to compartment syndrome. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, numbness or tingling, and decreased sensation or function of the affected limb.

Increasing edema in the calf is a hallmark manifestation of acute compartment syndrome and indicates a worsening of the condition.

A. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur in response to certain medications used during anesthesia. Edema in the calf is not a manifestation of malignant hyperthermia.

B. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. While pulmonary embolism can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough, edema in the calf is not a typical manifestation of this condition.

C. Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules are released into the bloodstream, often after long bone fractures or orthopedic procedures. Increasing edema in the calf is not a characteristic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.

A. Administering medication at the right time helps maintain therapeutic drug levels in the patient's system and ensures optimal treatment outcomes.

B. This means administering the correct medication to the patient as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It's crucial to verify the medication name, strength, and dosage form to prevent medication errors and adverse drug reactions.

C. It's essential to double-check the dose calculation and verify it against the prescription to prevent medication errors, especially with high-risk medications.

E. This means administering the medication to the correct patient. It's essential to verify the patient's identity using at least two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) before administering any medication to ensure it is being given to the intended recipient.

D. The color of medication is not typically considered one of the medication rights. While certain medications may have specific color coding for identification purposes, relying solely on color to identify a medication can be misleading and increase the risk of errors.