The practical nurse (PN) is providing instructions to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to give a total bed bath to an immobile client who has continuous feeding via a gastrostomy tube (GT). Which instruction is most important for the PN to emphasize?

Monitoring the client's vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, is crucial to assess for any signs of infection or complications following surgery.
A. While fluid volume intake and output are important to monitor for overall hydration status, it is not the most immediate concern after reinforcing the dressing.
C. Similarly, assessing the volume of peripheral pulses is important to evaluate peripheral perfusion, but it may not be the highest priority at this time.
D. Incisional pain scale rating is important to assess the client's comfort and pain level, but it should be done after ensuring the security of the surgical dressing.

A callus is a normal response of the body during bone healing, where new bone tissue forms around the fracture site to provide stability and support. It helps in the process of bridging the fracture and promoting healing.
The PN can provide reassurance to the client by explaining that the presence of a callus indicates that the bone is healing and progressing toward recovery. It is important to educate the client about the expected timeline for bone healing and the need for continued follow-up with the healthcare provider.
Incorrect:

A. Prepare to assist in applying a new cast to reduce pressure points: This choice assumes that the client's concern is related to discomfort or pressure points caused by the current cast.
However, the client's concern is about the formation of a callus, which is a normal part of bone healing. There is no indication that a new cast is necessary at this point.
B. Report the client's concern to the healthcare provider: While it's important to address client concerns and communicate any changes in their condition to the healthcare provider, in this case, the formation of a callus is an expected part of the bone healing process. It is not necessary to report this concern to the healthcare provider as it is a normal occurrence.
D. Teach the client strategies to prevent further calluses: The formation of a callus in this context is a natural response of the body to promote bone healing. It is not necessary to teach the client strategies to prevent further calluses, as callus formation is a temporary and beneficial part of the healing process.