A nurse is providing nutrition teaching for a client who has hypertension. Which of the following foods should the nurse suggest the client include in their diet?

Rationale:
A. A client who reports frequent and painful urination: This client likely has a urinary tract infection, which requires assessment and treatment but is not immediately life-threatening.

B. A client who reports left arm pain following a fall: Pain from trauma requires evaluation, but unless there are signs of impaired circulation or severe injury, it is lower priority than potential neurologic emergencies.

C. A client who has hypertension and reports a severe headache: A severe headache in a client with hypertension may indicate a hypertensive crisis or impending stroke. Immediate assessment is required to prevent life-threatening complications, making this the highest priority.

D. A client who has heart failure and received a diuretic 30 min ago: Monitoring is necessary to assess diuretic effects, but this client is stable and does not require immediate intervention compared with the client at risk for hypertensive emergency.

Rationale for Correct Choices

• Pain medication: Fractures cause pain due to bone and soft tissue injury. Administering analgesics helps manage discomfort, improves cooperation with care, and facilitates movement and participation in activities as tolerated. Pain control also reduces stress responses that can interfere with healing.

• Limb immobilization: Nondisplaced midshaft fractures of the radius and ulna require immobilization using a cast or splint to maintain proper alignment, prevent further injury, and promote bone healing. Immobilization also supports neurovascular protection and decreases the risk of displacement.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

• Skin traction: Skin traction is typically used for femur or lower limb fractures, not isolated forearm fractures, and is unnecessary for nondisplaced radius and ulna fractures.

• Antibiotics: The fracture is closed and nondisplaced, with no open wound or infection, so prophylactic antibiotics are not indicated.

• Surgical consultation: Surgery is usually reserved for displaced, unstable, or complex fractures. This nondisplaced fracture can be managed conservatively with immobilization.

• Bed rest: While rest is important, strict bed rest is unnecessary for upper extremity fractures. The child can perform limited activities while the arm is immobilized.