A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who is receiving long-term NSAID therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?

Elevate the head of the client's bed for 1 hr after the feeding. This is because elevating the head of the client's bed to at least 30 degrees can help prevent aspiration and gastric reflux.

Choice B is incorrect because administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea.

Choice C is incorrect because rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site.

Choice D is incorrect because flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is not necessary as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding.

The explanation for why the other choices are not answered: B – Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea, so it should not be done. C – Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site, so this is not the correct action. D – Flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is unnecessary to do as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding. Thus, this is not the correct answer.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Applying traction weight to the external fixator is not recommended, as it can cause excessive stress on the pins and wires, leading to complications such as infection, loosening, or breakage1.Traction is usually applied to skeletal pins that are inserted into the bone without an external frame2.

Choice B rationale: Monitoring the neurovascular status of the affected limb is important, but every 8 hours is not frequent enough.The nurse should perform neurovascular checks every 2 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 4 to 8 hours, according to the facility policy3. This is to assess for signs of nerve damage, compartment syndrome, or impaired circulation, which can result from the injury or the device.

Choice C rationale: Administering pain medication 30 min prior to pin care is a correct intervention, as it can help reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure. Pin care involves cleaning the pin sites with an antiseptic solution and applying sterile dressings to prevent infection and promote healing. The frequency and technique of pin care may vary depending on the type of device, the condition of the wound, and the facility protocol.

Choice D rationale: Adjusting the clamps on the device’s frame daily is not a nursing intervention, as it can alter the alignment and stability of the fracture. The clamps should be tightened only by the orthopedic surgeon or a trained technician, and only when necessary. The nurse should inspect the device for any loose or broken parts and report any problems to the surgeon.

So, the correct answer is Choice C, after analysing all choices.