The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with an arterial insufficiency ulcer. The nurse should plan interventions to address which priority issue?

A. Inadequate immobilization: Proper immobilization is essential for fractured bones to heal correctly. Immobilization, often achieved through casts, splints, or other orthopedic devices, stabilizes the broken bone fragments, allowing them to fuse back together. If the immobilization is not sufficient or if the patient doesn't follow the prescribed immobilization protocol, there can be excessive movement at the fracture site, hindering the healing process.

B. Venous thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to the formation of blood clots in veins, usually in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). While VTE is a potential complication after a fracture, it is not a direct cause of delayed bone union.

C. Inadequate vitamin D intake: Vitamin D is essential for bone health as it helps the body absorb calcium, which is crucial for bone formation and maintenance. Inadequate vitamin D levels can weaken bones and impair the healing process, but it's not a common cause of delayed bone union unless there are severe deficiencies or underlying medical conditions.

D. Bleeding at the injury site: Bleeding at the injury site occurs immediately after the fracture and is a natural part of the body's response to injury. While excessive bleeding can lead to complications, it is not a likely cause of delayed bone union six weeks after the injury. In the early stages of healing, bleeding is replaced by the formation of a hematoma, which eventually transforms into a callus and aids in the bone healing process.

A. The longer the joint is displaced, the more difficult it is to get it back in place:
This statement is correct. Prompt reduction of a dislocated joint is important because the longer the joint remains out of place, the more difficult it becomes to realign it. Delayed reduction can lead to complications and makes the process more challenging for healthcare providers.

B. Avascular necrosis may develop at the site if it is not promptly resolved:
Avascular necrosis is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. While it is a potential complication of hip dislocation, it is not the immediate rationale for considering hip dislocation a medical emergency. The urgency primarily lies in the difficulty of reducing the dislocation and preventing further complications.

C. The client's pain will increase until the joint is realigned:
This statement is partially correct. While it is true that dislocated joints are extremely painful, the urgency in reducing the dislocation is not solely based on pain management. It is essential to prevent complications, restore joint function, and minimize long-term damage to the affected area.

D. Dislocation can become permanent if the process of bone remodeling begins:
This statement is accurate. If a dislocated joint is not promptly reduced, the surrounding tissues may undergo changes, and the process of bone remodeling can begin. This can lead to the dislocation becoming more difficult or even impossible to reduce, resulting in a permanent dislocation. Early intervention is essential to prevent this outcome.