The client is at risk for impaired skin integrity related to the need for several weeks of bed rest. The nurse evaluates the client after one week and finds the skin integrity is not impaired. In evaluating the plan of care, what is the nurse’s best action?

Choice A reason: Determine whether it is temporary or permanent is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Determining whether the compromised immunity is temporary or permanent is an important assessment, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. Compromised immunity can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause, such as medication, disease, or genetic disorder.

Choice B reason: Take the client's vital signs every four hours is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Taking the client's vital signs every four hours is an important monitoring, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. Vital signs can indicate the general health status and the presence of infection or inflammation, such as fever, tachycardia, or hypotension.

Choice C reason: Teach the family members to receive the flu shot annually is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Teaching the family members to receive the flu shot annually is an important education, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. The flu shot is a vaccine that can protect the family members and the client from influenza, which can be a serious and potentially fatal infection for people with compromised immunity.

Choice D reason: Wash hands before entering the client's room is the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is the most urgent and relevant. Washing hands before entering the client's room is a basic and essential infection prevention measure, which can protect the client from exposure to pathogens that can cause infection. People with compromised immunity have a weakened or impaired immune system, which makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to infection.

Choice A reason: This is the highest priority client because sudden and increasing pain in a fractured arm can indicate a complication, such as compartment syndrome, infection, or nerve damage. Compartment syndrome is a condition where the pressure inside the muscles increases to dangerous levels, causing severe pain, reduced blood flow, and tissue death. Infection is a condition where microorganisms invade the wound site, causing inflammation, pus, and fever. Nerve damage is a condition where the nerves are injured by the fracture, causing numbness, tingling, or weakness. The nurse should see this client first and assess the arm for any signs of these complications, such as swelling, pallor, loss of sensation, or impaired movement. The nurse should also elevate the arm, loosen any bandages or casts, and administer pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a fractured ankle is a common and stable condition that affects the lower extremity. A glass of water is a comfort and hydration need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and provide the glass of water, as well as monitor the ankle for any signs of complications, such as edema, infection, or impaired circulation.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest priority client because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and manageable condition that affects the joints. A scheduled pain medication is a routine and preventive need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client after the more urgent clients and administer the pain medication, as well as assess the joints for any signs of inflammation, stiffness, or deformity.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a discharge teaching is a discharge and education need that can be met by the nurse or another staff member. The nurse should see this client last and teach the client how to use the crutches, as well as provide any other discharge instructions, such as wound care, activity restrictions, or followup appointments.