An nurse is caring for a client who has acute osteomyelitis. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.

Choice A reason: "I will need to limit the number of fruit servings each day." is not a statement that indicates a correct understanding of the teaching, because it is irrelevant and inaccurate. Limiting the number of fruit servings each day is not a part of the lowpurine diet, as fruits are low in purine and do not affect the uric acid levels. Fruits are also beneficial for the health, as they provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

Choice B reason: "I should avoid eating liver and other organ meats." is a statement that indicates a correct understanding of the teaching, because it is relevant and accurate. Avoiding eating liver and other organ meats is a part of the lowpurine diet, as organ meats are high in purine and can increase the uric acid levels. Uric acid is a waste product that is formed when purine is broken down in the body. High uric acid levels can cause gout, which is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Choice C reason: "I can drink only white wine." is not a statement that indicates a correct understanding of the teaching, because it is incorrect and misleading. Drinking only white wine is not a part of the lowpurine diet, as white wine is not low in purine and can increase the uric acid levels. Alcohol, in general, can interfere with the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys, and can also trigger or worsen the gout attacks. Therefore, people with gout should limit or avoid alcohol consumption, regardless of the type or color of the wine.

Choice D reason: "I should choose red meat instead of poultry." is not a statement that indicates a correct understanding of the teaching, because it is incorrect and misleading. Choosing red meat instead of poultry is not a part of the lowpurine diet, as red meat is not low in purine and can increase the uric acid levels. Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, is high in purine and can aggravate the gout symptoms. Therefore, people with gout should limit or avoid red meat consumption, and choose poultry, fish, or plantbased proteins instead.