The nurse is preparing to witness the patient signing the operative consent form when the patient says, "I don't understand what the doctor said about the surgery." Which action should the nurse take next?

The nurse explains that immobilizing a fracture will:

• Help align the bone fragments and reduce movement, which is crucial for proper healing. Immobilization can help maintain the stability of the fracture site, allowing the bones to knit together and heal.
• Help to minimize movement and subsequent pain. It provides support and reduces stress on the injured area, which can help alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable healing process.
• Help to minimize movement and reduce the risk of fat globules from bone marrow entering the bloodstream and causing a fat embolism, a potentially serious complication.

Preventing blood clots, preventing malignant hyperthermia, and immobilizing a fracture are not directly related. Preventing blood clots typically involves other measures such as early mobilization, elevation, and medication to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia, and immobilization does not directly prevent it.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. Auscultation refers to listening to the sounds produced by the lungs using a stethoscope. Ronchi and fine crackles are abnormal lung sounds that can be heard during auscultation in individuals with pneumonia.

These sounds are associated with the presence of fluid or mucus in the lungs, which is characteristic of pneumonia.

While other symptoms such as a sore throat, tympany noted on chest percussion, and a slightly elevated temperature (37.8 degrees Celsius) can be present in various respiratory conditions, the auscultation findings of ronchi or fine crackles specifically suggest an underlying lung infection like pneumonia.