A nurse is planning care for a client who has a left hip fracture and is in Buck's traction. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Rationale

• Supplement feeding with sterile water: Sterile water provides no nutritional value and dilutes electrolyte balance, increasing health risks without reducing bilirubin. It can interfere with adequate breast milk intake, which is essential for promoting bilirubin excretion. Hydration for jaundiced infants must come from breast milk or formula, not water.

• Dress in only a diaper: Phototherapy requires maximum skin exposure so bilirubin can be broken down effectively through light absorption. Limiting clothing allows more surface area to receive therapeutic light. Keeping only a diaper on also prevents overheating or obstruction from unnecessary garments. This setup ensures optimal treatment efficiency.

• Cover newborn’s eyes with a shield: The bright phototherapy lights can damage the newborn’s developing retina, so eye protection is essential. Soft shields prevent retinal injury while still allowing the infant to move comfortably. The shields are removed only during feeding or parent interaction to allow bonding. Consistent use is a critical safety component of phototherapy.

• Breastfeed every 2 to 3 hr: Frequent breastfeeding promotes bilirubin excretion through stooling and hydration, supporting the infant’s ability to lower bilirubin naturally. More frequent feeds also prevent lethargy from worsening and help maintain stable glucose levels. Breast milk intake is a key measure for preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia progression during phototherapy.

• Apply lotion to skin every 4 hr: Lotions can absorb heat and increase skin irritation under phototherapy lights. Some topical products may also intensify light absorption, raising the risk of burns. The newborn’s skin must remain clean and dry to prevent adverse reactions. Avoiding lotions keeps the skin safe during therapy.

A. "Your device is set to allow you to deliver small doses more frequently.": PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) allows the client to self-administer small, controlled doses of pain medication as needed. This statement accurately explains how the device works and emphasizes client control within safe limits.

B. "Using this device allows you to use less medication than other methods.": While PCA can improve pain management, it does not necessarily reduce the total amount of medication used. The primary benefit is timely pain relief and maintaining therapeutic levels, not automatically using less medication.

C. "Your family member can push the PCA button for you if you're sleeping": Only the client should activate the PCA device to prevent overdose. Allowing others to push the button, a practice called “PCA by proxy,” is unsafe and can lead to serious complications.

D. "You will need to keep track of each dose you administer to avoid taking too much.": The PCA device is programmed with safety limits, including lockout intervals, to prevent overdose. The client does not need to manually track doses, as the device automatically controls and records administration.