A wound has a bloodtinged liquid that is dripping from the surgical site. How does the nurse document this finding?

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is an important assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Pain is the unpleasant sensation that results from tissue damage or inflammation. Pain can affect the client's physical and psychological wellbeing and interfere with their recovery. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, location, quality, and duration using a valid and reliable pain scale. The nurse should also provide pain relief measures, such as medication, ice, elevation, or distraction, as ordered and as needed.

Choice B reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is a relevant assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Medication history is the record of the drugs that the client is currently taking or has taken in the past, including prescription, overthecounter, herbal, or recreational drugs. Medication history can help the nurse identify any potential drug interactions, allergies, or contraindications that may affect the client's treatment and recovery. The nurse should ask the client about their medication history and document it accurately and completely.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment, but it is a helpful assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Socioeconomic status is the measure of the client's income, education, occupation, and social class. Socioeconomic status can influence the client's access to health care, ability to afford treatment, compliance with therapy, and support system. The nurse should assess the client's socioeconomic status and provide appropriate referrals, resources, or assistance as needed.

Choice D reason: This is the priority assessment for a client with a femur fracture. Pedal pulses are the pulses that can be felt in the feet, such as the dorsalis pedis or the posterior tibial pulse. Pedal pulses can indicate the blood flow and perfusion to the lower extremities, which can be compromised by a femur fracture. A femur fracture can cause bleeding, swelling, or pressure that can reduce or obstruct the blood supply to the feet, leading to ischemia, necrosis, or gangrene. The nurse should assess the client's pedal pulses regularly and report any changes, such as absent, weak, or thready pulses. The nurse should also monitor the client's skin color, temperature, sensation, and movement in the feet.

Choice A reason: Padding hard surfaces is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it reduces the pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues. Hard surfaces, such as bed rails, wheelchair arms, or footrests, can cause compression or irritation of the skin, especially over the bony prominences. Padding hard surfaces with foam, gel, or air cushions can provide protection and comfort for the client.

Choice B reason: Keeping head of bed (HOB) at or less than 30 degrees is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it prevents the sliding or shifting of the client in bed. Sliding or shifting can cause shear and friction on the skin, especially over the sacrum, coccyx, or heels. Keeping head of bed (HOB) at or less than 30 degrees can maintain the alignment and stability of the client in bed.

Choice C reason: Keeping head of bed (HOB) elevated to 75 degrees is not a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, but rather one that increases the risk of pressure injuries. Elevating the head of bed (HOB) to 75 degrees can cause the client to slide or shift in bed, which can increase the shear and friction on the skin, as explained above. Elevating the head of bed (HOB) to 75 degrees can also increase the pressure on the sacrum, coccyx, or heels, which can impair the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues.

Choice D reason: Having client sit in wheelchair as much as possible is not a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, but rather one that increases the risk of pressure injuries. Sitting in wheelchair as much as possible can cause prolonged pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues, especially over the ischial tuberosities, sacrum, coccyx, or heels. Sitting in wheelchair as much as possible can also reduce the mobility and activity of the client, which can affect the blood circulation and muscle tone.

Choice E reason: Placing pillows between bony surfaces is a nursing intervention that decreases the risk of pressure injuries, because it relieves the pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and underlying tissues. Bony surfaces, such as the ankles, knees, hips, or elbows, can cause compression or irritation of the skin, especially when they are in contact with each other or with the bed. Placing pillows between bony surfaces can provide cushioning and separation for the skin and tissues.